Daily 5 - Monday, October 10

Monday, October 10, 2011: Men’s Qualification, Day 2

Russian Regains Their Rhythm

Over the last few years, there have been plenty of occasions where the Russians trained well and crumbled under the pressure of competition. So many times, so much potential went unharnessed. Here in Tokyo, they’ve trained well, and in qualifications, competed relatively well. Prior to the competition, when we asked one of the Russian coaches what their goals were here, he simply replied “Olympics.” They simply wanted to assure themselves a spot in London and they did that today with their top eight finish. With one of the youngest teams here (three of the team members are under 21), the Russians are rebuilding and drama free (some would say thanks in part to Maxim Devyatovsky being left off the team). They also really seem to be focused on the artistry of the sport – something that is intertwined with their heritage but didn’t seem to be as emphasized over the last several years. We’re excited to see how their story continues to unfold here in Tokyo and on the road to London…

P-bars (near) Phenoms

The Chinese gymnasts are masters on p-bars with crazy combination and picture perfect execution. Count us impressed.

Ring Master

Chen Yibing of China is a beast on Still Rings. Qualifying to finals in the top position, he competes a 6.8 set (one of only two in the competition) that was awarded an 8.9 E today for 15.7. With mind-blowing strength sequences (Maltese, lift to invert Cross), a bodyline that is stiff as a board, and a refined quality that i

s mesmerizing, he sets the standard. His full twisting double layout floats in the air, opens up early and today, he stuck it cold. Niiiiiice!

Big Air for Bouhail!

Many were wondering if Thomas Bouhail of France had his Wheaties for breakfast after an absolutely amazing performance on vault today. Bouhail drilled two 7.0 vaults (handspring double front half out and a Tsuk double pike) to average 16.620 which was good enough for the top spot in qualification. The vaults were huge in the air and perfect on the landings, generating 9.6 and 9.633 execution scores. Phenomenal! And regarding the Wheaties, it was actually eggs, bacon, fruit and two cups of coffee that he had for breakfast!

Scouting Report

China competed during the very last subdivision of qualification, and among those in 

the audience watching the performance were members of many of the teams who had competed earlier in the day or on the previous day of qualification (including most of team USA). Some teams (on the men’s and women’s side) shy away from watching other teams perform, but we think it’s great. The experience can be motivating, informative, inspiring, and just downright enjoyable and entertaining. You’ve traveled half way around the world, the sport is your passion, and it’s the biggest event of the year, so why not!

Gripe of the Day

The two-per-country rule for All-around Finals should be expanded to at least three (if not more). It’s really a shame when a gymnast who is among the very best in the world doesn’t have an opportunity to challenge for the All-around title at Worlds, despite posting one of the best scores of the entire qualification round. Case in point: Jonathan Horton of the U.S…. Out of 250+ male gymnasts competing at these World Championships, Horton earned the 5^th highest All-around score in qualification, but because of the two-per-country rule, he won’t make it to finals (two other U.S. athletes placed second and third). On the women’s side, the U.S. also had five athletes in the top 12, but only two will advance. Regardless if the country were the U.S., China, Russia, Romania, or whoever, it just seems that if you are among the most talented gymnasts in the world, and you prove it and earn it in qualification, you should have an opportunity in All-around finals to compete for medals.

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