Sunday, July 4, 2010

The Final Elite Qualifier

The final elite qualifier took place at the ranch yesterday. It was all WOGA, all the time.

Grace McLaughlin continues to improve at a slow and steady pace. Just missing the National Team a year ago, Grace has matured and improved. Her beam routine is much improved and her other events appear more consistent. In her interview with gymnastike, Grace sounds intelligent and oddly normal. Grace lacks the sheltered robotic smile of most elite gymnasts. Her ability as a bar worker makes her someone to pay attention to. Grace dominated the competition with a 56.600 and outdistanced the field by 2.7 points.

The WOGAfication of Lizzy Leduc continues. Lizzy didn't have her best meet, but she is improving by leaps and bounds. The stain of D+D is washing off. Valeri is clearly investing time and energy into this gymnast. He is attempting to turn her into a serious all-around gymnast. It is a good sign that he appeared pissy with her after she fell on bars and dismount with a flyaway.

Straight out of level 9, Alyssa Baumann is well on her way to becoming an adopted daughter. The new elite has gorgeous lines and finished second with a 53.900. We like. Martha and Valeri looked on during her beam routine and approved as well.

Emily Schein is also lovely.

Mack Brannan continues to be one of the most overrated gymnasts in the country. Already sloppy, with another inch or two and a few extra pounds, her career will be all but over.

Casey Jo Magee failed to qualify for Classics this summer, but she remains positive and is vowing to continue training. As of now, she is not planning on training bars.

1 comment:

  1. Lizzy LeDuc is really quite impressive. Thats a nuts BB routine for a 13 y.o.

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