tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post4361829714575032215..comments2024-03-27T00:19:55.641-07:00Comments on Aunt Joyce's Ice Cream Stand: 2011 Worlds: The Direction of the SportOlympicEffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11708554152461551887noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-65108487023866980962011-10-21T10:09:45.649-07:002011-10-21T10:09:45.649-07:00After this year's world championships, I serio...After this year's world championships, I seriously needed some "Miller Time":<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6X7qFDiscE<br /><br />I just love the way she *finishes* every single dance move, how there's no "dead time", and how she makes it all flow together and actually performs it to the music... You just don't see that kind of thing at all anymore, sigh...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-39847506324804208892011-10-20T16:15:25.350-07:002011-10-20T16:15:25.350-07:00Anon @5:44 - Get off your 'I hate Liukin becau...Anon @5:44 - Get off your 'I hate Liukin because it's cool to be non-conformist emo' kool-aid. I suggest you go back to youtube and watch the video again. Her height and distance on that vault are more than sufficient.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-87974085026697729412011-10-19T23:56:41.235-07:002011-10-19T23:56:41.235-07:00Haha all the people deceived by the dreadful trio....Haha all the people deceived by the dreadful trio. There is definitely more to E score deductions than a stuck landing. But generally though, E scores are a joke, they are so boxed up (except falls), that you really can't differentiate good form from bad.<br />Don't see any problem with "code whoring", why shouldn't athletes/coaches work by the rules to get the highest possible score? Unless the reintroduce a ROV (rewarding) system, I see no way around it. Why should they penalize themselves? But my main gripe is that in the 2005-08 quad, bars were way over-scored, its possible to get insane D scores compared to other apparatus and rewarded gymnasts good at bars while harshly punishing others who are AAers with a weaker bars. All four events should be equally important.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-24671408146740469342011-10-19T17:44:43.511-07:002011-10-19T17:44:43.511-07:00Nastia did not deserve a 9.9 execution score on va...Nastia did not deserve a 9.9 execution score on vault at the Olympics. God when did the announcers become fact that so many idiots believe shit just because Elfi said it?<br /><br />Nastia has very little height of distance on that vault and she barely got the 1,5 twist around. There was plenty to deduct.<br /><br />If you are going to even bring up her name lets talk about how she code whored a bar routine. She never would have been in an AA discussion with her 1996 vault. It is comparable to the freaking Yurchenko Porgras does now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-40449066258287957142011-10-19T02:59:59.179-07:002011-10-19T02:59:59.179-07:00@6:28 PM Maybe compared to past greats Komova is n...@6:28 PM Maybe compared to past greats Komova is nothing special, but compared to today's gymnast her form and lines are one of the best. I don't think its as much sentimental favorite, but last year at YOG, Komova was a gymnast that combined both grace and tremendous difficulty, why shouldn't people like that? This worlds, as some has pointed out, she is recovering from an injury, and pushed a little into AA (she doesn't seem ready for FX), and is probably tentative from lack of training. <br /><br />No way is Jordyn a "clear winner", she won fairly definitely, but it was so close. Her reaction proved that. Kohei Uchimura was a clear winner, Aliya Mustafina was a clear winner last year, this year's AA came down to 0.033.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-10248806681533029552011-10-19T02:48:58.527-07:002011-10-19T02:48:58.527-07:00@9:27 PM Hah well not all gymnasts have Khorkina-e...@9:27 PM Hah well not all gymnasts have Khorkina-esque personality, but it doesn't make their gymnastics any less special. I honestly think Komova is tentative and nervous this competition because she is still recovering from her ankle injury since... last year (?) and just hasn't put in the numbers to be that confident. Truly showcasing the performance/routines can only come after an athlete is confident of her skills. Mustafina was at peak physical condition last year (like Jordyn this year), Komova was barely able to even compete FX and VT a month ago. She will be better next year as long as she stay healthy. <br /><br />RE puberty, its really unpredictable for different athletes. Mustafina used to be tiny too, and she adjusted fine. Maybe a growth spurt will make her lines even more gorgeous, who knows? Well, Koko Tsurumi is still tiny, even compared to Komova.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-3985975371172203462011-10-18T05:58:13.515-07:002011-10-18T05:58:13.515-07:00Let's not forget the most important factor in ...Let's not forget the most important factor in receiving a commendable score...WHO you are and the name you have built for yourself. Otherwise gymnasts from the less gymnastic dominant countries who have some beautiful routines would be scoring better. It is ridiculous that even a non judge's eye can see missed handstands on casts and pirouette skills, piked swinging, and low releases still receive high scores on bars because of WHO the gymnast is! Very frustrating...the judges will nail girls on these things if they aren't a well known gymnast.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-651650314257261802011-10-17T23:44:57.154-07:002011-10-17T23:44:57.154-07:00@7:07 - well, aren't you just a ray of sunshin...@7:07 - well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine. LMAO.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-43367258680904291962011-10-17T23:10:03.966-07:002011-10-17T23:10:03.966-07:00Komova has zero expression/charisma/charm/star pow...Komova has zero expression/charisma/charm/star power.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-9358622660453629592011-10-17T21:27:12.966-07:002011-10-17T21:27:12.966-07:00Totally agree with anon at 6:28. In all honesty, K...Totally agree with anon at 6:28. In all honesty, Komova (unlike Musty, an exceptional gymnast who COMMANDS attention) really is nothing special. She was tentative and showed a complete lack of confidence. The truth is that people are longing for the days of Mostepanova and Co., and they're channeling that desire through her. I think once she hits a growth spurt/puberty and doesn't have "the look" any more, people will move on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-87263866915674047612011-10-17T20:12:24.026-07:002011-10-17T20:12:24.026-07:00I feel like the upcoming battle between the Russia...I feel like the upcoming battle between the Russians and the US in gymnastics is a battle for the soul of the sport. I really do. I just love the fact that the Russians do STYLISH gymnastics.<br /><br />Its not like there aren't a few Americans I don't like but overall MEH.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-63709691764989037412011-10-17T19:07:52.772-07:002011-10-17T19:07:52.772-07:00Komova needs to wash her hair. I have never seen ...Komova needs to wash her hair. I have never seen so much grease in my life! I hate her gymnastics.<br /><br />I hope that mustafina retears her knee and goes away. <br /><br />I hope that jordan retires now. <br /><br />I hope that mitchell fails a drug test and is suspended for life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-12010146682539702042011-10-17T18:28:06.639-07:002011-10-17T18:28:06.639-07:00As someone who has followed gymnastics for decades...As someone who has followed gymnastics for decades I fail to see Komova's appeal. She's ok but not particularly artistic. She was hardly precise in Tokyo. The beam routine was fraught with problems. The floor routine had a string of errors... and not just on landings but on dance elements. She is the sentimental favorite because people want her to be a gymnast from the past. But at this world championships she was not and Weiber was the clear winner.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-82740980779229235902011-10-17T17:28:52.618-07:002011-10-17T17:28:52.618-07:00@2:00pm I'd be interested to see the trend sta...@2:00pm I'd be interested to see the trend stats on popularity/ratings. I'm pretty sure that the downtrend on skating predates the change to the code of points and is also largely influenced by the lack of a dominating American female star. Sasha Cohen was the best we've done since Michelle Kwan. I'm not saying that the code of points has helped skating in general -- I don't think that's true. I'd be happy never to see another catch-foot again, and the sameness of routines encouraged by a set code is a problem in both sports. But ice dance in particular has benefited from the new system and is in fact more popular because of it, helped by the fact that between Belbin/Agosto and Marlie we've got dominating stars.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-3743715515385658432011-10-17T14:15:25.555-07:002011-10-17T14:15:25.555-07:00I agree that Komova is much more artistically appe...I agree that Komova is much more artistically appealing than the majority of competing gymnasts today. But speaking as as a former ballerina, I have to say that her form in her pirouettes is much more awkward than graceful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-84397658206819522412011-10-17T14:10:46.902-07:002011-10-17T14:10:46.902-07:00If the code was different I honestly believe the U...If the code was different I honestly believe the US would have some gymnast not even there. One thing I give Marta credit for is looking at the code and seeing which gymnast work with it the best. Other countries send old style gymnast to me who dont favor the code. If the code was different USAG would be putting a great deal more interest in Gymnast like Kyla Ross, Gabby D. and even Maroney and even Sabrina Vega who have the lines and execution needed, or certainly have the potential for great execution and lines..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-28659054922600137812011-10-17T14:01:33.486-07:002011-10-17T14:01:33.486-07:00Ling was much more labored than Yang due to having...Ling was much more labored than Yang due to having superior shoulder flexibility.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-45972558157995926842011-10-17T14:00:06.168-07:002011-10-17T14:00:06.168-07:00Skating has also dropped in popularity under an op...Skating has also dropped in popularity under an open ended system. They do t work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-84482249910720540802011-10-17T12:54:05.151-07:002011-10-17T12:54:05.151-07:00I think a lot of the issues have to do not with op...I think a lot of the issues have to do not with open-ended difficulty per se but with the relative weighting of execution vs difficulty, and the binary nature of the deduction system for judging execution. <br /><br />Compare the results of switching to the code of points in ice skating vs gymnastics: common to both are the complaints that everyone has to do the same thing to maximize their points but otherwise the results have been very different. The Lysacek/Plushenko drama was in some ways the same debate of difficulty vs execution with nationalities flipped. <br /><br />The technical score mixes difficulty and execution and +/1 on GOE can contribute as much or more points than changes in difficulty so athletes and coaches concentrate on GOE first, then upgrade difficulty. The component scores then double down on execution with skating skills, etc. <br /><br />I'm not arguing that the skating code of points is necessarily a superior system, though I think what's happened to ice dance shows that with the right mix can work well and benefit an artistically-oriented sport. But I think it shows that gymnastics could keep open-ended difficulty but rejigger the system to rebalance difficulty and artistry. <br /><br />To do that, though, I think they really need to take a look at the deduction system for judging execution. 9:30 is exactly right in that it's very boxed in. And part of that is that it is very binary - a tiny foot slide and 3/4 shoulder width step get the same deduction. If Wieber and Komova both have their legs together and their feet pointed there is no way for a judge to make a distinction that Komova did it better. Adding an artistry deduction only helps a little since again, it's binary, yes or no. There are shades in execution that this system does not reward appropriately.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-70622389199381814482011-10-17T12:37:12.343-07:002011-10-17T12:37:12.343-07:00I agree with the above commenter. :)
Gymnasts u...I agree with the above commenter. :) <br /><br />Gymnasts used to get bonus(or value part increase? I'm not sure) for performing multiple of the same skill in a row. The rules for awarded value parts have changed since the 90s to promote diversity of skills within the routine. Now you might see roundoff back layout on beam whereas it used to be back handspring 3 back layout stepouts in a row. <br /><br />Both can be dynamic and beautiful when done well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-43345774937376926082011-10-17T12:30:18.309-07:002011-10-17T12:30:18.309-07:00"but now they involve mostly arm waving while..."but now they involve mostly arm waving while the athletes rest for difficult tumbling runs..."<br /><br />If only they would wave their arms or something. Most don't even bother to do that, and I have to admit it's a pet peeve of mine, to see the gymnast slumped in the corner with her arms plopped by her sides panting for several seconds until it's time to run and flip again.<br /><br />Sure, it's not like we were really fooled in the old days when a gymnast would sidle to the corner with lots of arm fluttering and then do few simple steps or poses before a run... We all knew she was "resting", but it didn't matter when the artistic ones had enough style to integrate with the rest of the routine and make it look like performance instead of an exhibition.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-35707971566174555142011-10-17T10:24:08.459-07:002011-10-17T10:24:08.459-07:00"I was to see four layout stepouts on beam.&q..."I was to see four layout stepouts on beam."<br /><br />YES. THIS. I remember when this was the gold standard of beam acrobatics and grace. I'm so sad no one does them anymore. I don't know all the exact details of the current code but is it no longer a valuable acrobatic combination? I hate all the jump connections and the day I don't see wolf jumps as often can't come soon enough. I don't like how the new demand for difficult vaults is causing so many unnecessary injuries and ruining careers. What's the point of chucking an Amanar, having it be a hot mess, and risk a crippling injury?<br /><br />I absolutely see the merit of an open ended system (re FTY vs DTY value), but without retaining some element of the old perfect 10 system the direction of the sport (particularly WAG) doesn't look so good. In my perfect world I would bring compulsories back so artistry and form would improve, keep it at the fixed 10 system and integrate it with individual open-ended scores. At least that way crap execution couldn't be saved by difficulty if you couldn't do the simple moves well in compulsories. Also, Michael Buckley <3. I love his gymnastics commentary. :)<br /><br />*sigh* Unfortunately I don't think the power vs artistry debate will ever fully be resolved. People were aghast at Olga Korbut's back somi on beam, fearing it would reduce gymnastics to cheap tricks. Where do we go from here?Cnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-73986836210183856752011-10-17T10:12:00.458-07:002011-10-17T10:12:00.458-07:00I like the example of that bar finals because it s...I like the example of that bar finals because it still had to be stretched to argue that Ling and Yang had different styles and skill selection. I blame it on Lu Li. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-28732265565237475882011-10-17T10:06:42.564-07:002011-10-17T10:06:42.564-07:00I really like the use of that bar finals to back u...I really like the use of that bar finals to back up your point. Gosh I miss those days.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6387050766907671577.post-63794519562847865432011-10-17T09:40:48.095-07:002011-10-17T09:40:48.095-07:00Can we talk about those webisodes from, IG? Did a...Can we talk about those webisodes from, IG? Did anyone think they were serious train wrecks... barely got through one! They had to do video chats vs in person interviews!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com