What We’re Talking About
There’s been a lot of chatter this season about the scoring. If you’re tuning in for the first time this gymnastics season change is afoot because finally there’s an oversight committee keeping an eye on the judges scores. If you’re wondering why? It’s because last season we all witnessed impossible, record-breaking numbers every single week and the integrity of the sport became a legitimate concern. This season things have been heading in a better direction and it’s forced coaches, gymnasts, fans and commentators to recalibrate expectations. So far we’ve only seen three perfect 10s (from only two gymnasts) and only two teams have broken the 198 barrier as we enter week 6. This is a good thing.
Sports is one of the last places we can look to for true meritocracy. You stick your landing or you don’t. You bend your elbows on your block or you don’t. You get your turn all the way around or you don’t. The trouble with the scoring this season isn’t that more teams or individuals aren’t putting up big scores, it’s that there’s still not enough separation below the top-scoring routines. If the whole code of points is being used you would see more gymnasts in the 9.6s, 9.7s and 9.8s. This isn’t an attack on any individual, this is literally playing by the rules and rewarding and deducting based on the rules. Sometimes you hit and sometimes you don’t. That’s sports!
The way forward is with transparency. It should be on the screen (or second screen) for the fans, coaches and athletes to see. Can you imagine watching another sport and not knowing why a missed goal, for example, appeared on the scoreboard? We now have more superior athletes than ever competing in college and we should expect to see big scores; but any true competitor will tell you they don’t want charity points. We should respect them enough to let them earn each quarter tenth. A 180-degree turn isn’t subjective and nor should integrity be.
Feelings
- It’s so great to see Kara Eaker back on beam
- If you would have told us in December that Oklahoma would enter week 6 and still not cracked 198 we wouldn’t believe you
- We’re not mad about it though, and they’re still ranked No. 1
- Michigan State is in their breakthrough era
- Happy to see FOX get on board
- Everyone should watch Isla Gie to understand what we’ve been talking about artistry
- Kirsten Johnson understands the assignment
- If the gymnastics community doesn’t think Title IX is on the chopping block they aren’t paying attention.
- We missed watching KJ Johnson launch herself on vault
- Looks like USAG‘s new facility will be in a location where women’s rights and health are secondary concerns
- Saddened by all the injuries: Tyler Turner, Trinity Brown, Sam Phillips, Sasha Fujisaka, Shane Wiskus
Facts
- U.S. Classic will be in Chicagoland
- Betty Okino is the new U.S. women’s Developmental Lead
- 9.95: Senior Abbey Scanlon‘s very first routine for Cal
- 49.600: New vault record for Michigan State
- It’s another perfect 10 for Jordan Chiles
- Kayla DiCello still has her eye on elite
- Nikki Smith is the No. 1 vaulter in the country
- Laurent Landi is gearing up for his next act
- Eli Seitz has joined other Germans in abuse allegations against their coach
- Brooklyn Moors is the No. 1 floor worker in the country
- Bonus: It’s not too late to play our fantasy game. Join here.
Award(s)
- Rising Star: Isla Gie
- Sticky Feet: Michigan State
What’s On the Socials?
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Quotes
“It’s the only event she hasn’t scored a 10 on, and she knows it, and I’m sure she wants to change that.” ~ KJ Kindler, 6x NCAA Champion
Coach Kindler speaking about Jordan Bowers and her push for the Gym Slam
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“That has never left my mind.”
~ Kayla DiCello, Elite Gator
With her rehab underway Kayla is taking it one step at a time as she keep here elite career in mind.
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“I had told Janelle [and] she was like, ‘Are you OK?’ And I was like, ‘I think so — I don’t know — but I’m just gonna keep pushing through.”
~ Jordan Chiles, Olympic Champion
Jordan’s reaction after scoring her second perfect 10 of the season and entering the lineup, overcoming a 104-degree temperature earlier in the week.
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This column was composed and compiled by Steve Cooper, Editor, GymCastic; as performed by hosts Jessica O’Beirne and Spencer Barnes.
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