Visa Championships- Daily 5

The Inside Gymnastics Daily 5

By- Chris Korotky & Team

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Men’s Qualification

Each day during the 2012 VISA Championships, the team at Inside Gymnastics magazine will be selecting our Top 5 highlights of the day. Be sure and join the conversation on our Facebook page and let us know if you agree or disagree! Then, post your top highlight of the day!

Olympic Fever – It’s On!

 Competition is underway at the 2012 VISA National Championships and the incredible magnitude of the moment is nearly tangible. These athletes have worked their entire lives for an opportunity to earn a spot on the Olympic team, and every routine and score now makes a difference as the selection of the 2012 Olympic team nears. Four competitions – two at Nationals and two at Trials – will seal the fate of these athletes. Some will be eliminated from the process following this event before the Olympic Trials in San Jose in late June. Only five athletes will ultimately earn a spot on the Olympic team and a place in the history books forever. Intense!

Make Note of Mikulak  

After breaking both ankles at the 2011 Puerto Rico Cup competition, Sam Mikulak of the University of Michigan has been on a steady comeback path and may be peaking at just the right time to make his case for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team. With unique sets marked by great difficulty, unique combinations and great execution, Mikulak scores well on paper and also with fans as evidenced by the large crowd response to his high-flying sets. And perhaps a key for him is pommel horse, where he earned the fourth highest score of the night (14.650). Keep an eye on Mikulak!

He’s Baaaaaaaack!

 Competing in the all around for the first time on his surgically repaired foot (that still contains a titanium screw), two-time National Champ Jonathan Horton showed he’s ready for London 2012 with his signature fighting spirit and crowd-pleasing sets. Always competing with the heart of a champion, Horton was in the zone and brought the crowd to its feet with his stunning high bar set (Cassina, Kolman, full twisting double layout). He’s the leader of this U.S. squad and it’s great to see the progress he’s made in his recovery.

Look Out For Leyva

 Defending U.S. Champ Danell Leyva edged John Orozco for the lead following prelims 91.850 to 91.800 and handled the pressure of the spotlight with ease. During podium training, Leyva said that he’s got the sets conquered and has been training great. He also mentioned the key for him at this point is keeping the nerves in check. He not only kept the nerves in check, but really performed his sets with calm confidence. He really seemed to be enjoying the experience, as well, pumping his fist to the crowd at times, waving to fans and really soaking in the experience. Nice to see!

 Fighters Will Fight

 With the pressure of the Olympic year drawing closer to an intense climax, several athletes showed true grit as they fought to maintain their stability up on the apparatus. Alex Naddour had an off-kilter full Kehr on pommels tonight. Most athletes would have no shot at spinning completely around on one hand crookedly. However, Naddour’s pommel prowess proved too great as he fought and got his rhythm back. Similarly, Sam Mikulak caught his Yamawaki release a bit close for comfort on high bar. This is actually a rather common occurrence for athletes, and most have to bent-arm giant swing out of the botched element. Mikulak, however, committed to the skill and swung with fully extended arms, pressing down on the bar continuously. Great work, guys!

 Photo Credit- Lloyd Smith

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