Around the Chalk Bowl…

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There is a new segment over on the International Gymnast Magazine Forum (www.intlgymnast.com/forum) called “Around The Chalk Bowl”, set up by poster Bekah (creator of “5 Questions With…”).

In this segment, we ask a general question to all of the elite gymnasts.

The first question: Do you have any specific goals for PanAms (Pan American Championships) Camp?

“I am going to train hard and do my best! I have some new skills on beam that I will continue to work on. My main goal is to stay positive and confident.”

- Briley Casanova, WOGA, Age 14

“My goals for camp are to go there and set a good impression for my coaches/ team, to be noticed and … invited back and to try my best.”

-Kiana Winston, Texas Dreams, Age 13

“My main goal is to stay on all the equipment when we show our skills, and also just to have fun!”

-McKenzie Wofford, Stars, Age 14

“My goals for this camp are to make a good impression on Martha and get invited back!”

–Kennedy Baker, Texas Dreams, Age 13

Keep checking back for more answers and more questions!!

5 Questions With…

2008 Olympic Team Member and head coach of the University of Illinois men’s gymnastics team…

Justin Spring

Justin Spring

 

1.) You tore your ACL at the 2007 Nationals, a year away from Beijing. What was going through your mind when it happened and what was the road back like with only a year until the Games?

As soon and I rolled over on the mat after vault I thought, “Beijing is out!” Sometimes being the comeback kid is a little easier because no one expects you to do it. I could have done without the extra ankle injury at qualifier as well though. All in all, I am so happy with how everything played out and I wouldn’t change a thing!

2.) What was your favorite skill to compete? What was your favorite apparatus to compete? Least favorite?

I hated competing on horse. I loved competing on high bar. The crowd just loves to watch that event and it’s a lot of fun performing when the crow really enjoys what your doing. My favorite skill to compete was my Cassina on high bar. My least favorite skill to compete was my triple twisting double on floor… that thing scared the crap out of me.

3.) You were known for being a daredevil type of gymnast. Were there any skills that even you thought were too risky to try/perform?

I think that as long as you prepare to do your routines and skills, then nothing is too risky. The problem with this sport however, is that USA male gymnasts rarely have a opportunity to compete without the fate on the national team spot being in jeopardy. Every national competition we compete in is an opportunity to gain a spot or loose a spot on the national team. Sometimes that makes you push to compete a skill a little before you were ready.

4.) What do you think could be done to increase the popularity and exposure of men’s gymnastics here in the U.S. (at the elite and college levels)?

Change the uniforms! Let us be more of ourselves on the floor! Gymnastics is too heavily stigmatized because of how uptight we always look when competing. There is a lot of other things too though…

5.) What attributes from your prior gymnastics training have you incorporated into your coaching, and what new ideas/philosophies have you incorporated?

The importance of long term planning and accountability. Talent alone will not take you to the top of this sport. It requires so much dedication. I work on discipline and accountability on a daily basis with my guys.

5 Questions With…

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2009 Senior National Team Member…

Cassie Whitcomb

It isn’t exactly 5 questions, but she did answer quite a few questions for the IG Forum.

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Cassie Whitcomb

I chose UCLA for academic reasons. I would like to study marine biology and UCLA had the best program for it.

Right now I am training full sets for my upcoming competition in Tokyo Japan in December. I also make time to work on some upgraded skills as well.

A typical day with Mary Lee is coming into the gym saying hi. You can tell her anything. In workout she really tries to explain thiings to you and make sure you understand. She listens to you. Even after workout we can call her at any time if we need something or even if we just need to talk to someone. She is like a second mom to us.

No, the USA is not going to the DTB cup.

I am working on a higher bar start value.

On vault, I am working on the yurchenko 1 1/2 and double.
On bars, I have added an inside toe full into my gienger, I am working on adding a stalder full after my sh[oo]tover and possibly getting a stalder hect in the begining of my routine.
On beam, I am working on a standing full, torjette 1/2, and upgrading my dismount.
On floor, I am working on back 2 1/2 to front full and back 1 1/2 to front double.

My goals for the upcoming international competition is to have upgraded my routines on floor and bars to show the difficulty. I would also like to medal in floor and bars and also have fun and maybe even learn some new things while I am there. Each competition is an opportunity to learn something new and meet new people.

Yes, the old CGA elites stop by every once in a while. Most are in college, so they visit whenever they can. I love seeing them again because it brings back so many memories.

I do not know if I will continue elite once I am in college. I do plan to defer a year so that I may try for the 2012 games.

I look up to Shannon Miller the most in gymnastics. Outside of gym, I would have to say my mother. They are great role models to everyone.

I feel like my signature is bars. Many things contribute to that. Like my shapes and my toe point. I am also know for putting beauty into my gymnastics.

Goals for my elite career are to make world team, 2012 olympic team, and of course learn as many life lessons along the way. I also want to get as many international assignments as I can for experience.

I do not have a single best friend from the national team. They are all my friends and we all get along very well. But if I had to choose it would be my teamate, Amanda Jetter.

Shayla Worley is my mentor. She helps me through rough time and is there for the good times too. She is a person that I can just got to for anything. We have become great friends because of this and yes we do tweet each other a lot. 

Apologies

Hey World—

Sorry for dropping off the face of the planet last week.

My roommate’s mom came to town and decided that we had to do everything we could to pack every microsecond of the day.

Recap-

Sloan, Bross and Tsurumi went 1-2-3 in the All-Around. WOO! Congrats to all!

Uchimura, Keatings and Ryazanov went 1-2-3 for the men in the All-Around.

China won 6 of the 10 Event Finals Golds.

Props to newcomer Kayla Williams (USA) for winning a GOLD medal in her FIRST international competition on the Vault!

Further congratulations to Lauren Williams winning Silvers on the Beam and Floor for Australia, Beth for winning Gold on the Floor Exercise.

Congrats to all the gymnasts, you all did wonderfully.

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We also were forced to say goodbye to a gymnast far too soon. World All-Around Bronze Medallist from Russia, Yury Ryazanov, was sadly killed in a car crash in Russia shortly after returning to Russia. His loss is a terrible tragedy not only to Russian Gymnastics, but to the world gymnastics community. His grace, style, power and personality will be sorely missed, and his spirit never forgotten. Rest peacefully, gentle warrior.

5 Questions With…

Ashley Postell, 2002 World Balance Beam Champion and former Univeristy of Utah star.

Briley Casanova, junior WOGA gymnast with a very bright future.

Shayla Worley, contender for the 2008 Olympic Team and current University of Georgia competitor.

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Ashley Postell

Ashley’s Responses-

1. You completed an extremely successful career at the University of Utah. What made you choose Utah? What makes Greg Marsden such a successful coach?

I chose Utah because I knew I could be successful here. When I went on my official visit, I did not want to go back home. I wanted to start right then and there. Everything is beautiful here in Salt Lake City and I fell in love with the coaches and gymnasts. Greg is a great coach and knows what he is talking about. He started the program here at Utah, so he has experience with what the program needs and how it should be run. I enjoyed my four years and miss it deeply.

2. What were the biggest differences between training elite and training at Utah? What were the pros and cons of each?

The biggest differences were how much we trained and how often. In elite I trained six days a week that included three, two a days. In college, I trained six days a week with four days being gymnastics and two of the days being just cardio and weight lifting. Also, the hours of training are less in college than in elite by around 15 hours. I do not think there are any cons about either training styles. The hours put in for elite are necessary to be successful at that level and when competing every weekend in college, less hours are more realistic.

3. What was your favorite part of participating in the post Olympic tour? Do you have any funny stories?

I do not have one favorite part about the tour. I enjoyed all of it! It was exciting to travel all over the U.S. and be able to perform gymnastics in a way that is not the norm. It was a great experience for me and a great way to end my gymnastics career. In the end everyone was sad because it meant that we all had to go back to our normal lives again, but if I had a chance to do it again I wouldn’t hesitate. A funny story I have is when we had our last show. The last show is typically the prank show. At the end of the show us girls did not realize what the boys were up to all day. Little did we know they had spent time putting together their version of pie to throw at us. There was whip cream and I don’t even know what else all over everyone and all over the floor. It was a mess, but fun! Another story I have is when Sam and I were practicing our partner cartwheels during intermission. They were a disaster! We finally got them right and I was excited, so I told Sam, “We’re doing it! We’re doing it!” She laughed so hard that she dropped me on my face in the middle of a cartwheel for everyone to see! I still love her though.

4. What is the MIOBI set like? What is an average day like? How did you end up with the job?

The make it or break it set was really cool! I’ve never seen a set before and it is pretty hectic. Cameras are everywhere along with everyone invloved with directing, producing the show and etc. A normal day can be rough, especially because I am not a morning person. We had to be on set by around 6:30 – 7:00 am most mornings for call time. We would eat when we got there, went to make-up and wardrobe, and then warmed-up. After we warmed-up we usually had to wait around until we were needed for a specific scene. When we were needed, it was only for a few minutes. So, there was a lot of sitting around at times and it was difficult to stay warm. After everything was shot and it was time to go home, it would be around midnight. Long hours were typical for the days we worked. Since I finished my eligibility for Utah, the MIOBI show was looking for gymnasts, I got lucky to be able to be a part of this and not break any NCAA rules.

5. You were unable to compete in the World Championships in 2003 because of illness. Were you at home during this time? What emotions did you have not being able to compete in this meet?

During this time I was still present at the meet. It was important for everyone to be supportive of the team no matter what and I am glad I was able to be there for the girls. It was very hard to sit back and watch. I am not very good at sitting back and just watching. I coach now and just watching the girls I coach makes me want to flip around. It was extremely difficult, but I was still a part of the team whether I competed or not and I got to share that experience with everyone.

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Briley Casanova

Briley’s Responses-

1.) Can you describe a day in the life of a WOGA gymnast? What kind of conditioning and training do you do?

A typical day at gym is from 8:00-11:30 a.m.. I go to school from 12:30-3:00 p.m., and then back to the gym from 4:00-7:00 p.m. We do upper body conditioning in the mornings on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, trampoline on Thursday mornings, and leg conditioning on Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings. Tuesday is the day my teammates and I do conditioning twice a day.

2.) What were Classics like? Was it hard competing in a session with seniors? I mean, you competed with Nastia, Rebecca and Ivana on your team, did that add any pressure? Was it hard to perform when you knew your routines were being broadcast on live national TV?

Classics was a great experience for me to compete along with the Seniors. It especially helped me prepare a little for next year, when I will be old enough to compete as a senior. At first, I was a little nervous competing with them, but then I got comfortable with it. It was an inspiring experience. I didn’t notice any major pressure around the seniors, because I see them every day. Performing on live national television was also exciting to me. I was focused on competing, so I wasn’t very nervous about it, and I knew that I would be doing the same thing at VISA’s in a few weeks.

3.) What are your short and long term gymnastic goals? What are your short and long term gymnastic goals?

Some of my short term goals for gymnastics include, staying in shape and healthy for competition season coming up, and upgrading some of my routines with bigger skills. One long term gymnastics goal for me is getting a college scholarship. I would also like an opportunity to represent the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

4.) What is training with Laurent and Cecile Landi like? How do they compare to other WOGA coaches (like Valeri and Anna)?

I look to Laurent and Cecile for guidance every day in gymnastics. They are very experienced and know how to teach the sport. They have helped me reach my goals and have gotten me through some very challenging times with skills. Anna was my level four coach and I learned a lot from her. It was a fun time and she inspired me to continue in gymnastics! I currently go to Karolyi’s once a month with team members and Valeri. He is firm and supportive and I also learn a lot from him. They are all very determined, supportive and focused coaches!

5.) Do you have any funny stories about WOGA, or funny gymnastics experiences that you’ve had?

When I was a level five, I was extremely nervous about going into an invitational competition. Before even walking into the gym with my dad, I started to cry. I kept telling him I didn’t want to compete because I was nervous and I didn’t want to walk inside the gym. My dad talked to me outside of the competition entrance. I wouldn’t move, literally. So, my dad called my mom who was out of town and talked with her about what I should do. My dad talked to me nicely again, telling me that my mom wished me luck and believed in me. I ended up deciding to go inside and competing. I think it is funny now because I really like to perform in front of people! I can walk into competitions and feel confident about my routines. I am so lucky to have parents that support and take care of me every day.

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Shayla Worley

Shayla’s Responses-

1 .Outside of the Olympics, do you feel you accomplished most of what you wanted to in your elite career? Do you have any regrets?

When I look back on my elite career I have no regrets. I pushed myself as far as possible and put fourth every once of effort I had to turn my talent into success. I represented my country in many competitions and there is nothing more gratifying then wearing the red white and blue while the national anthem plays. It took a whole team of people including my family and coaches, to whom I owe much of my success.

2. What was your daily schedule like when you trained elite? What is your schedule like now at Georgia?

During the school year when I was training elite, I had gym from 7-9am.I went to a public school from 9:30-1. Physical therapy on Tuesday/Thursday. Then a second practice from 2 to whenever I finished, usually around 6 or 7.

Now, I have class from 9-12 then practice from 1-5. On Wednesdays we have cardio at 6:30 am and Saturday conditioning at 9:00. Between class, tutor, meetings, and gym, I am always busy, but it’s great!

3. Do you still keep in contact and meet up with your USA elite teammates?

I do try and stay in contact with all the girls and updated on what is happening in the elite world. Especially Nast and Sam. We talk, text, or ichat daily. Although we are states apart, we are very much apart of each others lives.

4. I heard that you “snuck into” the Olympic Village? What was that like?

Haha. Yes, because it took 24 hours to get a pass to go in the Olympic Village and we didn’t know. The Village was really amazing. Every single person walking around was one of the best at their sport in their country. I felt like I became a stronger athlete just walking around and wished the talent would rub off on me! The food court was definitely my favorite building. They had lines with food types based on regions such as Mediterranean, Asian, ect. It was easily the side of three football fields. Now that I am in college, the Olympic Village is similar to our dorms and dinning hall but on a much grander scale.

5. You’ve spent a number of years training with Jeff. How do you think he compares to other top elite coaches? In retrospect, do you feeling training at Orlando Metro was the best decision for you? Can you describe what Jeff was like as a coach?

Jeff and I were a great match. He definitely has an aggressive coaching style which great worked for me. He’s quite the character, always cracking a joke or ten during practice. Jeff is very quick to let someone know when they aren’t meeting is expectations but just as quick to recognize a job well done.

With his numerous elite gymnast, he is without a doubt one of the top elite coach and I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to train under him. The number of coaches with his knowledge and experience is rare and I lucked out living only 30 min away from the gym. I couldn’t imagine not growing up at Orlando Metro. It was the place for me, and no matter what, I will always be a Metro kid.

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Upcoming: Chellsie Memmel and Cassie Whitcomb.

Event Finals!

The men are currently on the Floor Exercise and are doing quite well.

The women make their Event Final debut in just a few minutes on the Vault, where Olympic Champion Hong Un Jong (DPR Korea) going head-to-head with American newcomer Kayla Williams.

The men will also compete on the Pommel Horse and Still Rings today, with the women competing on the Uneven Bars in addition to the Vault.

Marian Dragulescu (Romania) wins the GOLD on Men’s Floor Exercise over Zou Kai (China) who was the Olympic Champion, and Alexander Shatilov (Israel). Steven Legendre (USA) finished in 8th place.

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The Start List for Women’s Vault:

1. MYZDRIKOVA, Anna (Russia)
2. KAESLIN, Ariella (Switzerland)
3. HONG, Un Jong (DPR Korea)
4. WILLIAMS, Kayla (USA)
5. GARCIA, Elsa (Mexico)
6. ROGERS, Brittany (Canada)
7. KURBATOVA, Ekaterina (Russia)
8. DUFOURNET, Youna (France)

QuickHits

Myzdrikova 1- Laid-out Podkopayeva with slightly bent kneeds and a hop on the landing. (5.60/8.775[-0.1]/) 14.275
Myzdrikova 2- Double-Twisting Yurchenko, messy knees, low chest on the landing and a large step out of the area (5.80/8.475[-0.1])14.175 14.225

Kaeslin 1- Handspring Laid-out Rudi, piked down, step across the back. (6.30/8.775) 15.075
Kaeslin 2- Yurchenko Layout 1.5, tucked down, but a decent landing with only a small shuffle out of bounds. (5.30/8.775[-0.1]) 13.975 14.525

Hong 1- Amanar, sits it down and out of bounds (6.50/8.025[-0.1]) 14.425
Hong 2- Cheng, to her knees. (6.50/[-0.1]) 14.100 14.262

Williams 1- (didn’t see due to feed freeze. grr) Handspring Laid-out Rudi, very clean (6.30/8.900) 15.200
Williams 2- Double-Twisting Yurchenko STUCK SOLID! (5.80/9.175) 14.975 15.087
GO KAYLA!!!!!!

Garcia 1- Yurchenko Layout 1.5, short on landing with a step back. (5.30/8.800[-0.1] 14.000
Garcia 2- Podkopayeva missed and landed face-down, was late pulling into her pike. Smiling and happy. (5.20/7.475[-0.1]) 12.575 13.287

Rogers 1- Double-Twisting Yurchenko, Low chest on the landing. (5.80/8.625) 14.425
Rogers 2- Laid-out Podkopayeva lose legs and steps out on the landing (5.60/8.475[-0.1]) 13.975 14.200

Kurbatova 1- Double-Twisting Yurchenko. Clean, small hop on the landing. (5.80/8.925) 14.725
Kurbatoba 2-  Laid-out Podkopayeva, very piked throughout and low on the landing, but nearly to the knees. (5.60/8.450[-0.1]) 13.950 14.337

Dufournet 1- Yurchenko 1.5, very nice line, small step on the landing. (5.30/8.975) 14.275
Dufournet 2-  Laid-out Podkopayeva, clean lines and solid landing. (5.60/9.025) 14.625 14.450

1. WILLIAMS, Kayla (USA) 15.087 (15.200/14.975)
2. KAESLIN, Ariella (Switzerland) 14.525 (15.075/13.975)
3. DUFOURNET, Youna (France) 14.450 (14.275/14.625)
4. KURBATOVA, Ekaterina (Russia) 14.337 (14.725/13.950)
5. HONG, Un Jong (DPR Korea) 14.262 (14.425/14.100)
6. MYZDRIKOVA, Anna (Russia) 14.225 (14.275/14.175)
7. ROGERS, Brittany (Canada) 14.200 (14.425/13.975)
8. GARCIA, Esla (Mexico) 13.287 (14.000/12.575)

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Women’s Uneven Bars

He Kexin (China)- jump to HB, Ono, Bi, Li Ya combo, straight Jaeger + Pak, toe shoot, tucked full-out small shuffle. 7.10/8.900/16.100

Cha Yong Hwa (DPR Korea), stalder shoot, hop full + Def, Ono, jam to handstand, empty swing, Jaeger + Pak, toe shoot, muscled kip, Double Layout stuck. 6.30/8.350/14.650

Koko Tsurumi (Japan)- toe-on to toe shoot, Ono, Jaeger, bail, stalder shoot, giant full, Double Layout small hop. 6.20/8.675/14.875

Serena Licchetta (Italy)- jump to HB, giant bling, missed endo, empty swing, missed endo, Tkatchev + Comaneci (fall), bail, toe shoot, giant full, Double Layout small hop. 5.10/6.850/11.950

Larissa Miller (Australia)- KCH, toe shoot, inbar full + Geinger, bail, stalder shoot, in bar half, Jaeger, KCH hald, inbar, tucked full out stuck!

Bridget Sloan (USA)- KCH, toe on hald, endo hald, toe-on shaposhnikova, giant full + Tkatchev, Church, bail, stalder hecht, Double Layout full small step. 5.90/8.700/14.600

Ana Porgras (Romania)- inbar, stalder shoot, stalder 1.5 (late + Jaeger), stalder full, bail, stalder full, toe hecht, Double Layout. 6.30/8.375/14.675

Rebecca Bross (USA)- toe-on full, toe shoot, inbar full + Tkatchev, stalder half to Jaeger, stalder full, Pak, toe stalder shoot, tucked full out, step. 6.2/8.475/14.675

Women’s QuickHits Part 2…

I was not able to get out of my meeting, so I sadly will not be bringing the world QuickHits.

My deepest apologies.

-Cam

Women’s All-Around QuickHits

Bonjour, World!

Today’s QuickHits for the Women’s All-Around will have to be cut short, which ultimately makes for a sad day

I have a mandatory meeting at the high school where I coach that starts right at 3pm, so I will only be able to mange about 70 minutes worth of hits.

My sincerest apologies.

-Cam

Men’s All-Around Final Standings

The Men have completed their All-Around Competition. Here are the results

World Champion: Kohei Uchimura (Japan)

1. UCHIMURA, Kohei (Japan) 91.500

2. KEATINGS, Daniel (Great Britain) 88.925

3. RYAZANOV, Yury (Russia) 88.400

4. TANAKA, Kazuhito (Japan) 88.300

5. DEVYATOVSKIY, Maxim (Russia) 87.475

6. THOMAS, Kristian (Great Britain) 87.350

7. MCNEILL, Timothy (USA) 87.150

8. CARANOBE, Benoit (France) 86.175

9. KUKSENKOV, Mykola (Ukraine) 86.125

10. POZZO, Enrico (Italy) 86.100

11. SHATILOV, Alexander (Israel) 85.825

12. NGUYEN, Marcel (Germany) 85.775

World Silver Medallist: Daniel Keatings (Great Britain)

13. LOPEZ, Jorge (Colombia) 85.075

13. GISI, Roman (Switzerland) 85.075

15. CAMPOS, Manuel (Portugal) 84.900

16. BOESCHENSTEIN, Nicholas (Switzerland) 84.775

17. HORTON, Jonathan (USA) 84.300

18. VALEIEV, Ildar (Kazakhstan) 84.200

19. SASAKI JUNIOR, Sergio (Brasil) 84.150

19. MUNOZ, Sergio (Spain) 84.150

World Bronze Medallist: Yury Ryazonov (Russia)

21. RIVERA, Luis (Puerto Rico) 84.050

22. BYKAU, Artsiom (Belarus) 82.950

23. VARGAS VELAZQUEZ, Luis (Puerto Rico) 82.200

24. MOLINARI, Federico (Argentina) 81.800

QUICK HITS!

The Men’s Competition has finished.

Congratulations to World Champions: Gold Medallist KOHEI UCHIMURA (Japan), Silver Medallist DANIEL KEATINGS (Great Britain), and Bronze Medallist YURY RYAZANOV (Russia).

Here are your quick-hits.

Rotation 1:

Jon Horton (USA) will start on the Floor Exercise- he starts with a 1.5 through to Double Front (fall), japanese handstand roll out, tucked double double (low with step), 1.5 tuck rollout with 1.5 twists, layout 2.5 + tuck 1/1, tucked full-in out. Scores a 13.775

Japan’s Kazuhito Tanaka scores 13.200 on Pommel Horse after a fall.

Britain’s Kristian Thomas was clean on Pommels for a 13.600.

Compatriot Daniel Keatings was solid on the floor, but with 2 OOB for a 14.250.

Yury Ryazanov (Russia) just owned Pommel Horse with a quick, clean, solid routine. Scores a 13.400.

Tim McNeill (USA) scores 14.500 on FX with a 2.5 +tucked barani, 1.5 tucked rollout, circles, 1.5 + front tuck and a 2.5 dismount.

Maxim Devyatovsky (Russia) on FX: Double Layout 1/1,  1.5 + tuck 1/1, 2.5 + tucked barani + front tuck, Russians, japanese handstand rollout, arabian 1.5 rollout, tucked full-in dismount. Form is a bit messy, but solid. Score: 15.000

Alexander Shatilov (Israel) is readying himself for the Pommel Horse. 14.075

Kohei Uchimura (Japan):  front 2.5 side pass, tucked double double STUCK, front layout 1/1 + tuck full, Russians, tucked 1.5 with 1.5 twists, triple twist. Score: 15.625

Tucked DOUBLE Front Vault from Nicolas Boeschenstein of  Switzerland, squat on the landing and a big hop, but HUGE vault, 15.600

Mykola Kuksenkov (Ukraine): 2.5 + tuck 1/1, flairs into Russians, japanese handstand, front tuck 1.5 roll out, tucked 1.5 rollout with 1.5 twists, triple twist. Scores a 15.050.

Sergio Munoz (Spain) competes a nice Tsukahara Layout 2.5 for a 15.975.

Benoit Caranobe (France) competes a Tsukahara Double Pike with a big step for 16.025.

Artsiom Bykau (Belarus) on Still Rings has a swingy set, but makes it through with a Piked Double Front dismount. 14.200

Benoit Caranobe, Sergio Munoz and Kohei Uchimura lead, in that order, after the 1st rotation. McNeill (USA) in 9th, Keatings (GBR) in 10th, Horton (USA) in 19th, Thomas (GBR) 20th.

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Rotation 2:

Keatings (Great Britain) on Pommels is smooth and clean. GREAT SET! And a 15.500 caps it off!

Thomas (Great Britain) on Still Rings is less swingy than Bykau and holds his strength positions wonderfully.  STUCK Double Layout Full dismount. Britain is putting the heat on the field. Scores a 14.575.

McNeill (USA) on Pommel Horse is a bit soft in his feet but manages a clean routine. Good set for Tim. 15.000 for his work.

Ryazanov (Russia) is up on the Still Rings and pulls right into a cross. He works very steadily here, with a Piked Double Front off and a large hop. Scores a 14.825 here.

Devyatovsky (Russia) is up next on the Pommels. He works fast, which causes some form breaks, but no falls. Hesitant on his dismount. He endured a rip, and scores a 13.425.

Alexander Shatilov (Israel) up now on Still Rings, Very steady and focused. Double Tuck with 1.5 twists dismount, very cool! He gets a 14.225

Next up on the Pommel Horse is Kohei Uchimura (Japan). He swings very high here, and has excellent form. Great set for Uchimura, and a 14.900.

Nicolas Boeschenstein (Switzerland) on the Parallel Bars. Small hop on his Double Pike dismount. Scored 14.625. Nico is competing on an injured right hand. Good job for him!

Mykola Kuksenkov (Ukraine) on the Pommel Horse is clean and quick. Decent set, should score decently. 14.600

Sergio Munoz (Spain) on the Parallel Bars has an issue following a pirouette, qucik Double Pike dismount with a shuffle backward. 13.100

Jonathan Horton (USA) up on the Horse, and its nearly as tall as he is, clean so far, and takes a fall after missing a hand placement, has a second mishap leading up to the dismount. Not the best day for Jon so far, only scoring 11.100.

Benoit Caranobe (France) on Parallel Bars takes a fall on a handstand,  finishes with a strong Double Pike dismount. 13.000

Artsimo Bykau (Belarus) vaults a nice Tsukahara Double Twist but lands out of bounds 15.525.

Jorge Lopez (Colombia) vaults a Tsukahara Double Twist 15.225

After 2 rotations: Uchimura, Boeschenstein, Keatings. McNeill 5th, Horton 24th, Thomas 21st.

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Rotation 3:

McNeill (USA) on the Rings. Loose form in the legs, a mishap on the start, but a nice Tucked Double-Double dismount for a 14.325.

Thomas (Great Britain) vaults a very clean Yurchenko Layout 2.5, for a 15.800 score.

Roman Gisi (Switzerland) on the Parallel Bars takes many steps after a HUGE stumble on his Double Pike dismount. Score: 13.525

Devyatovsky (Russia) is up next on Still Rings, a bit loose in his back, and a hop on his Double Layout Full dismount. Score: 15.075

Ryazanov (Russia) vaulted a very nice Yurhcenko Layout 2.5 with just a hopt forward on the landing for a 15.925.

Uchimura (Japan) on the Still Rings is doing very well capped off by a very clean Tucked Double-Double dismount. Score: 15.525

Enrico Pozzo (Italy) is a bit hesitant on the Parallel Bars, but a nice Double Pike dismount to end the routine. Score: 14.075

Kuksenkov (Ukraine) on Still Rings with a nice Piked Double Front dismount and a small hop. Score: 14.400

Luis Rivera (Puerto Rico) vaults a nice Tsukahara Double Twist for a 15.325..

Boeschenstein (Switzerland) is up on the Hi-Barnice straight Markelov jam to handstand 1/2, Tucked Kovacs jam, inverts, stalder. Laid-out Double-Double dismount. Score: 14.100

Lopez (Colombia) on Parallel Bars is a bit loose in the legs and is short on some handstands, but performs well to a clean Piked Double Back dismount. Score:

Keatings (Great Britain) on the Rings (big roar from the crowd) and does a great set with a Double Tuck with 1.5 twists dismount. Great job for Daniel! 14.200.

Tanaka (Japan) does a  nice Tsukahara Double Twist vault, 15.400.

After three rotations: Uchimura, Lopez, Boeschenstein. Thomas 7th, Keatings 8th, McNeill 9th, Horton 24th,

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Rotation 4:

Devyatovsky (Russia) on Vault: Handspring Tucked Double Front, sits it down. Score: 14.875

Ryazanov (Russia) on Parallel Bars: short a handstand near the start, clean the rest of the way though a bit hesitant, STUCK Piked Double Back. Score: 14.925

Uchimura (Japan) on Vault: a very clean Yurchenko Layout 2.5. Score: 16.050

Kuksenkov (Ukraine) on Vault: Tsukahara Layout Double Twist to his kness and steps off the mats. Score: 14.400

Rivera (Puerto Rico) on the Parallel Bars is clean with a hop on his Piked Double Back dismount. Score: 13.425

Lopez (Colombia) on Hi-Bar: layout markelov, forward stalder 1/1, unknown release, forward clear hip, jam to handstand, forward stalder, stalder to blind change, Double Layout full dismount. Score: 14.150

Keatings (Great Britain) on Vault: NICE Tsukahara Layout Double Twist. Very cleanly performed with a small hop. Score: 15.450

Boeschenstein (Switzerland) on the Floor Exercise: Double Layout (hop out), Front Layout 2/1 + Front Tuck, 2.5 + Barani side pass, Russians, press to Japanese handstand, whip to arabian layout 1.5, sat down the final pass. Score for Nicolas: 14.425

Thomas (Great Britain) on Parallel Bars does clean, controlled work with great form and hit handstands and a nice Piked Double Back dismount. Score: 13.975

McNeill (USA) on Vault: clean Yurchenko Double Twist. Score: 15.300

Tanaka (Japan) on Parallel Bars is very efficient, but lands low on his Piked Double Back dismount. Score: 15.075

After four rotations: Uchimura, Keatings, McNeill. Thomas 11th, Horton 23rd.

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Rotation 5:

Philip Boy (Germany) on Pommel Horse does a clean set. Score: 13.425

Kuksenkov (Ukraine) on Parallel Bars: 14.200

Lopez (Colombia) on Floor Exercise: Tucked Double Arabian, Front Layout 2/1, 2/1 side pass, russians, Front Layout 1/1 + Tuck 1/1 + Layout 13.250

Boeschenstein (Switzerland) on Pommel Horse was good, bit had form issues. Score: 11.775

Keatings (Great Britain) on Parallel Bars: excellent set, a nice and tidy performance with a great Piked Double Back dismount to cap it off. Score: 15.050

Tanaka (Japan) on Hi-Bar: jam to full + markelov, jam 1/2, stalder 1/2,  forward stalder full, front giant 1/1, jam, Laid-out Double-Double dismount. Score: 14.900

McNeill (USA) on Parallel Bars: small mistake off the top, and on a pirouette, seems a bit rushed, big step on his Piked Double Back dismount. Score: 14.200

Ryazanov (Russia) on Hi-Bar: jam 1/2, jam 1/1, markelov, german giants, forward stalder 1/1, giant 1/1,s talder, Laid-out Double-Double, two big steps off the mat, hand down. Score: 14.500

Devyatovsky (Russia) on Parallel Bars: a lot of small form breaks, two hops on his very common Piked Double Back dismount. Score:

Pozzo (Italy) on Floor Exercise: whip + tucked 1.5 with 1.5 twists, 1.5 + front 2/1, tucked full-in, flairs, 2.5. Score: 14.750

Thomas (Great Britain) on Hi-Bar: laid-out markelov, straight Tkatchev, straddle Tkatchev, Tkatchev half, forward stalder, forward stalder 1/1, jam to ahndstand, stalder, Double Layout fill. Score: 14.400

Uchimura (Japan) Parallel Bars: 14.725

After five rotations: Uchimura, Keatings, Tanaka. McNeill 5th, Thomas 9th, Horton 17th.

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Rotation 6:

Kuksenkov (Ukraine) on Hi-Bar: Full-Twisting Kovacs Tucked (fall), stalder 1.5, jam full, markelov, giant 1/1, giant 1/2, jam to handstand, stalder forward, giant 1/2 forward, Double Layout full dismount. Score: 14.375

Lopez (Colombia) on Pommel Horse: was going clean but had a fall, finished strong. Score: 13.350

Tanaka (Japan) on Floor Exercise: Tucked Double-Double, 1.5 + front layout 1/1 +front 1.5 low triple full dismount. Score: 14.650

Keatings (Great Britain) on Hi-Bar: markelov straight, stalder to blind, jam 1/2, jam ahndstand, stalder forward to stalder forward full, Double Layout full STUCK. Score: 14.475

McNeill (USA) on Hi-Bar: markelov, stalder forward 1/1, forward clearhip 1/1, stalder foward 1.5, jam to handstand, inverted giants, Tucked Double-Double dismount. Score: 13.825

Thomas (Great Britain)on Floor Exercise: Piked Double Arabian, front 1/1 + front 2/1, front tuck 1/1 + Tucked Barani, Russians, japanese handstand, layout 1.5 roll-outwith 1.5 twists, Tucked Double Arabian. Score: 15.000

Ryazanov (Russia) on Floor Exercise: front layout + front 2/1, Tucked Double Arabian, front tuck 1.5 roll-out, double twist, flairs, Japanese handstand, russians, 2.5 twist. Score: 14.825

Devyatovksy (Russia) on Hi-Bar: Score: 14.550

Uchimura (Japan) on Hi-Bar: Piked Kovacs, stalder 1.5, Tucked Kovacs, Tucked Kovacs 1/1, giant 1.5, , Endo 1/1, Endo, Double-Twisting Double Layout Dismount. Score: 14.975

Thoughts on Qualifications

Before I start tearing my favorite sport limb from limb, I would like to congratulate all of the qualifiers to the Men’s and Women’s All-Around and Event Finals competitions. Making it to the World Championships is no small feat no matter who you are, and to make an All-Around or Event Final (or both) is a magnificent accomplishment. Congratulations and Good Luck to all of you.

My thoughts on the qualification rounds will focus on the Women’s competition.

The All-Around.

This portion of the World Championships is supposed to showcase the BEST All-Around gymnasts in the world. The gymnasts who can go four-for-four cleanly with reasonable difficulty, artistry and presentation. As the years progress, I feel as though we are missing this. We are no longer seeing the gymnasts who can put together four difficult, yet still clean routines, but the gymnasts who can put together the four most difficult routines with enough of a difficulty value that they can absorb a large error and still come out near the top (yes, Vanessa Ferrari and Rebecca Bross, I am talking to you).

Of the Top 10 All-Around qualifiers, only seven, in my opinion, deserve to be in the Top 10. Top qualifier Rebecca Bross (USA), had a huge error on her dismount from the Balance Beam. She landed low, stumbled, and put her hand down. Her dismount was made famous and was named for the 2004 Olympic All-Around Champion and Balance Beam silver medallist Carly Patterson, who happens to have trained at the same North Texas gym, WOGA. Bross has attempted this dismount three times now in recent competition. Each of the three times she missed the skill, counting a fall. It would be in her best interest to alter her dismount for the All-Around Final.

Bridget Sloan fell from the Balance Beam (is this a trend?) and is still ranked fifth going into the All-Around Final. Her punch Front Tuck on the Beam is not a skill she usually has trouble with, so I do not foresee an issue with the skill in the Final, but I do not believe that she should be in the Top 10 with a fall.

Ksenia Semenova is ranked 10^th going into the Final. She is probably the only gymnast in the Top 10 with a fall that deserves her position. She incurred the fall on the Floor Exercise after coming up short on her Layout 1.5 + Front Layout 1/1 and landing on her back. Her 10^th place position accurately reflects her mistake.

I am not trying to take away from the accomplishments of these incredible athletes by any means. I am simply… disappointed in the direction our sport is moving.

Lauren Mitchell (Australia)

On a more positive note, Lauren Mitchell of Australia put together one heck of a performance to launch herself into the 3^rd place position going into the All-Around Final. This is a HUGE opportunity for Mitchell to shine and make an even bigger name for herself. She helped herself out immensely this past November by winning the World Cup Final on the Balance Beam, and she will make a shot at winning a World Championship medal on the same apparatus after qualifying tied for 4^th place with Ivana Hong (USA) on the Balance Beam. Ariella Kaeslin of Switzerland made a strong bid for herself as well, coming in 9^th in the All-Around and qualifying to the Vault Event Final.

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Vault.

The big surprise here? Kayla Williams (USA). She is a first-year elite. This is her first international competition. She leads the Vault going into the Event Final. Why is this significant? She outscored the 2008 Olympic Vault Champion, Hong Un Jong of DPR Korea. Her margin of victory: 0.025. Williams, even if she crashes and burns in the Final, should be VERY proud of herself for accomplishing a result of this magnitude.

Hong Un Jong… its no surprise that she is in the Final. She has an Amanar and a Cheng (which she did not compete in qualifications), and she could very realistically win the gold medal when the Final is contested on Friday.

Ariella Kaeslin (Switzerland)

Ariella Kaeslin is no surprise, either. The European Vault Champion qualified in 4^th position with her Handspring Laid-out Rudi and a Yurchenko 1.5. A more difficult second vault would better help her cause, but she still has a chance to medal.

Surprise qualifiers: newcomer Anna Myzdrikova of Russia and her compatriot Ekatarina Kurbatova, Youna Dufournet of France, Brittany Rogers of Canada, and Mexico’s Elsa Garcia.

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Uneven Bars.

The big stories: Beth Tweddle, 2008 Olympic Finalist, 2006 World Champion and 2003/2005 World Bronze medallist on the Uneven Bars will not be in the final. Nor will 2007 World Champion and 2008 World Finalist Ksenia Semenova of Russia. Both had issues in qualifications and were not able to advance.

Koko Tsurumi (Japan)

Leading the pack into the final is China’s Olympic Uneven Bars Champion He Kexin (surprise, surprise) who scored a massive 15.975 to second place qualifier Rebecca Bross’ (USA) 15.050. Bross’ teammate, Bridget Sloan is the US National Champion on the Uneven Bars and qualified in sixth place for the Uneven Bars Event Final. Cha Yong Hwa of DPR Korea qualified in third place, followed by Koko Tsurumi of Japan and Australia’s Larissa Miller.

Surprise qualifiers not previously named are Ana Porgras of Romania, a country not known for their Uneven Bars prowess, and Serena Licchetta of Italy.

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Balance Beam.

Ivana Hong (USA)

A big *high five* goes out to Ivana Hong of the United States. She has overcome her consistency and self-confidence issues from the past couple of years and has put together a routine quite worthy of the Balance Beam Event Final, qualifying in 4^th place.

Romania’s Ana Porgras qualified in the top spot, which isn’t surprising considering the Romanian knack for being incredible on the apparatus. Olympic Finalist Koko Tsurumi (Japan) made it into the Final in 6^th place, as did World Cup Finals Champion Lauren Mitchell in 5^th place.

China is represented twice in the Balance Beam Final. Deng Linlin and Yang Yilin are both into the final, qualifying in 3^rd and 7^th place, respectively. Kim Un Hyang of DPR Korea qualified in 2^nd place, and Italy’s Elisabetta Preziosa nabbed the 8^th spot for the final.

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Floor Exercise.

Anna Myzdrikova (Russia)

Russia nabbed the top spot here. Anna Myzdrikova leads the charge into the Floor Exercise final with a very unique Triple Twist + Back Tuck combination. Her 14.500 was the high score on the apparatus, thanks in large part to that ridiculous landing deduction rule. European Floor Exercise Champion from Great Britain, Beth Tweddle, is in the final, qualifying in 4^th place with a 14.075.

Newcomer Jessica Gil Ortiz of Colombia qualified in 6^th place with a 14.050. In 2^nd place is China’s Sui Lu, with Ana Porgras in 3^rd, Lauren Mitchell in 5^th, Deng Linlin in 7^th, and Rebecca Bross grabbing the 8^th spot in the final.

American Kayla Williams is the first reserve on the Floor Exercise in the event that one of the qualifiers cannot compete.

Women’s All-Around and Individual Event Qualifiers

Rebecca Bross (USA)

All-Around Qualifiers

1. BROSS, Rebecca (USA) 57.400

2. PORGRAS, Ana (Romania) 57.300

3. MITCHELL, Lauren (Australia) 56.675

4. DENG, Linlin (China) 56.350

5. SLOAN, Bridget (USA) 56.075

6. KURBATOVA, Ekaterina (Russia) 55.950

7. TSURUMI, Koko (Japan) 55.925

8. YANG, Yilin (China) 55.500

9. KAESLIN, Ariella (Switzerland) 55.450

10. SEMENOVA, Ksenia (Russia) 54.900

11. IZURIETA, Ana Maria (Spain) 54.750

12. DUFOURNET, Youna (France) 54.375

13. TAMIRJAN, Anamaria (Romania) 54.250

14. GARCIA, Elsa (Mexico) 54.225

15. MOREL, Pauline (France) 54.200

16. BUI, Kim (Germany) 54.175

17. GALANTE, Paola (Italy) 54.150

18. ROGERS, Brittany (Canada) 54.050

19. WING, Rebecca (Great Britain) 53.875

20. DOWNIE, Rebecca (Great Britain) 53.775

21. UEMURA, Miki (Japan) 53.325

22. KIM, Un Hyang (DPR Korea) 53.125

23. LEAL, Bruna (Brazil) 52.850

24. WAGNER, Veronica (Sweden) 52.750

R1. KROONEN Mayra (Netherlands) 52.650

R2. DEMYANCHUK Yana (Ukraine) 52.525

R3. SEITZ Elisabeth (Germany) 52.225

R4. MACKIE Charlotte (Canada) 51.975

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Kayla Williams (USA)

Vault Qualifiers

1. WILLIAMS, Kayla (USA) 14.812 – 6.30/8.525/14.825 &  5.800/9.000/14.800

2. HONG, Un Jong (DPR Korea) 14.787 – 6.50/9.000/15.500 & 5.200/8.875/14.075

3. MYZDRIKOVA, Anna (RUS) 14.450 – 5.80/8.900(-0.1)/14.600 & 5.600/8.800(-0.1)/14.300

4. KAESLIN, Ariella (SUI) 14.325 – 6.30/8.775/15.075 & 5.300/8.575(-0.3)/13.575

5. KURBATOVA, Ekaterina (RUS) 14.225 – 5.80/8.725/14.525 &  5.600/8.625(-0.3)/13.925

6. DUFOURNET, Youna (FRA) 14.212 – 5.30/8.800(-0.1)/14.000 & 5.600/8.825/14.425

7. ROGERS, Brittany (CAN) 13.975 – 5.30/8.800/14.100 & 5.200/8.650/13.850

8. GARCIA, Elsa (MEX) 13.862 – 5.30/8.825(-0.1)/14.025 & 5.200/8.500/13.700

R1. DOWNIE, Rebecca (GBR)  13.850 – 5.80/8.500/14.300 &  4.800/8.600/13.400

R2. KING, Marissa (GBR) 13.850 – 5.50/8.750/14.250 & 5.00/8.450/13.450

R3. KOMRSKOVA, Jana (CZE) 13.812 – 5.20/8.700/13.900 & 5.00/8.725/13.725

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He Kexin (China)

Uneven Bars Qualifiers

1. HE, Kexin (CHN)- 7.10/8.875 – 15.975

2. BROSS, Rebecca (USA)- 6.20/8.850 – 15.050

3. CHA, Yong Hwa (PRK)- 6.50/8.525 – 15.025

4. TSURUMI, Koko (JPN)- 6.00/8.775 – 14.775

5. MILLER, Larrissa (AUS)- 6.10/8.550 – 14.650

6. SLOAN, Bridget (USA)- 5.90/8.700 – 14.600

7. PORGRAS, Ana (ROU)- 6.20/8.375 – 14.575

8. LICCHETTA, Serena (ITA)- 5.80/8.400 – 14.200

R1. KURBATOVA, Ekaterina (RUS)- 5.90/8.300 – 14.200

R2. SEMENOVA, Ksenia (RUS)- 6.40/7.800 – 14.200

R3. DRAGOI, Gabriela (ROU)- 6.00/8.150 – 14.150

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Ana Porgras (Romania)

Balance Beam Qualifiers

1. PORGRAS, Ana (ROU)- 6.20/8.650 – 14.850

2. KIM, Un Hyang (PRK)- 6.30/8.475 – 14.775

3. DENG, Linlin (CHN)- 6.40/8.150(-0.1) – 14.450

4. HONG, Ivana (USA)- 5.90/8.500 – 14.400

5. MITCHELL, Lauren (AUS)- 6.30/8.100 – 14.400

6. TSURUMI, Koko (JPN)- 5.50/8.875 – 14.375

7. YANG, Yilin (CHN)- 5.50/8.875 – 14.375

8. PREZIOSA, Elisabetta (ITA)- 5.80/8.475 – 14.275

R1. BROSS, Rebecca (USA)- 6.20/7.950 – 14.150

R2. SEMENOVA, Ksenia (RUS)- 5.60/8.475 – 14.075

R3. IZURIETA. Ana Maria (ESP)- 5.700 8.325 – 14.025

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Anna Myzdrikova (Russia)

Floor Exercise Qualifiers

1. MYZDRIKOVA, Anna (RUS)- 5.90/8.600 – 14.500

2. SUI, Lu (CHN)- 5.70/8.575 – 14.275

3. PORGRAS, Ana (ROU)- 5.70/8.475 – 14.175

4. TWEDDLE, Elizabeth (GBR)- 6.10/7.975 – 14.075

5. MITCHELL, Lauren (AUS)- 5.80/8.350(-0.1) – 14.050

6. GIL ORTIZ, Jessica (COL)- 5.80/8.250 – 14.050

7. DENG, Linlin (CHN)- 5.40/8.600 – 14.000

8. BROSS, Rebecca (USA)- 5.70/8.250 – 13.950

R1. WILLIAMS, Kayla (USA)- 5.60/8.300 – 13.900

R2. DUFOURNET, Youna (FRA)- 5.60/8.025 – 13.625

R3. IZURIETA, Ana Maria (ESP)- 5.50/8.025 – 13.525

Women’s Qualification Subdivision 5

Who to look for in this final division:

Rebecca Bross (USA)
Rebecca Downie (Great Britain)
Ariella Kaeslin (Switzerland)
Anamaria Tamirjan (Romania)
Ana Maria Izurieta (Spain)
Lauren Mitchell (Australia)

First Rotation:

Germany’s Anja Brinker just posted a 13.650 on the Uneven Bars for a clean routine with a few missed handstands.

Ariella Kaeslin clean on the Floor Exercise.

Lauren Mitchell scored 13.750 on the Uneven Bars, just a small step on her dismount.

Rebecca Bross scored 14.250 on the Vault, a Double Twisting Yurchenko with a step back and out of bounds.

Anna Myzdrikova (Russia) was clean on the Balance Beam.

Becky Downie performed no acro series (break in connection) on the Balance Beam and staggered back on her dismount so much so that she rolled off the podium, socring 12.500 (4.6/7.90).

Izurieta was clean on the Floor Exercise, but a bit short on her Layout 2-1/2.

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Second Rotation:

Ariella Kaeslin piked down her Handspring Rudi and had a step back for a 15.075. Her second attempt was a Yurchenko 1.5 for a score of 13.575. Her average is a 14.325 and sits in 3rd place going into the Vault Event Final.

American Kayla Williams will be the top qualifier going into the Vault Event Finals in her First ever Elite International Competition. Congratulations, Kayla!!

Lauren Mitchell survived the Balance Beam. Her Humphrey turn was a little short and her Switch Ring Leap wasn’t as good as it could have been. She scored a 14.200 and is, at this point, the First Reserve for the Balance Beam Event Finals.

13.325 for Elsa Garcia of Mexico on the Floor Exercise. She had a small stumble on her Triple Turn, but had a nice Tucked Double Arabian.

Anna Myzdrikova moves into 1st place on the Floor Exercise over Sui Lu of China with her 14.500.

Rebecca Bross swung a good set of Uneven Bars to score 15.050 and qualify for the Uneven Bars Event Finals in 2nd place!

Becky Downie was good on the Floor Exercise, but only scored a 13.300

Anamaria Tamirjan scored 13.700 on the Uneven Bars.

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Third Rotation:

Anamaria Tamirjan has fallen off the Balance Beam. 5.50/7.40/12.900.

Elsa Garcia scores 14.075 on her first Vault, a Yurchenko 1.5 (5.30/8.775). Her second Vault is a Piked Podkopayeva (5.20-tariff).

Rebecca Bross put her hand down on her Patterson dismount from the Balance Beam, scoring 14.150 and putting her out of the running for a spot in the Balance Beam Event Finals.

Becky Downie performed two clean vaults, a Double Twisting Yurchenko, and a Yurchenko 1/2-on Pike off (5.00-tariff). Her 13.850 average puts her as First Reserve for the Vault Event Finals.

Anna Myzdrikova has moved into 3rd place on the Vault, performing a nice Double-Twisting Yurchenko (5.80-tariff) and a Laid-out Podkopayeva (5.40-tariff).

Lauren Mitchell posts a 14.050 and is 5th on the Floor Exercise ahead of Kayla Williams and Bridget Sloan (USA).

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Fourth Rotation:

Izurieta (Spain) strong on the Balance Beam. 5.70/8.325/14.025

Lauren Mitchell’s 14.475 on the Vault puts her in 2nd place in the All-Around, with a total of 56.675.

Anamaria Tamirjan on the Floor Exercise 5.50/8.025/13.525

Rebecca Downie survives Uneven Bars.

Rebecca Bross moves into 1st in the All-Around (with a fall on the beam). She scored 13.95 to knock Kayla Williams out of the Floor Exercise Event Finals.

Ariella Kaeslin survives Balance Beam.

Top 6 Group for All-Around Finals:

BROSS, Rebecca (USA)
PORGRAS, Ana (Romania)
MITCHELL, Lauren (Australia)
DENG, Linlin (China)
SLOAN, Bridget (USA)
KURBATOVA, Anna (Russia)

Update after the 4th Subdivision

Hey world.
Sorry I missed the 4th Sub. I was writing a Canadian History and Culture exam on campus that consumed 1.5 hours of my life.

So far as I can tell, the Top 5 All-Arounders have changed a bit. Koko Tsurumi (Japan) moves ahead of China’s Yang Yilin who dropped to 6th. French gymnast Youna Dufournet sits in 8th position behind Yang and Ksenia Semenova.

Canada’s Brittany Rogers put herself in the 11th spot, and Sweden’s Veronica Wagner is in 16th.

Tsurumi is sitting in 3rd on the Uneven Bars after a strong 14.775 there. American Kayla Williams held off the Olympic Champion on the Vault, Hong Un Jong (DPR Korea) who averaged a 14.787 to Williams’ 14.812.

Ivana Hong (USA) holds on to a shot at the Balance Beam Event Finals, as she sits in 4th place behing Ana Porgras (Romania), Kim Un Hyang (DPR Korea) and Deng Linlin (China).

Williams and Sloan (both of the USA) are still in contention for a place in the Floor Exercise Event Finals.

Subdivision 3 Quick Hits

Bridget Sloan (USA) falls on the Balance Beam on her front tuck scoring 13.325. Her Floor Exercise set had some issues on landings with her Triple Twist from 1.5 and her Piked Full-in. 13.600 for her on that piece.

Ksenia Semenova (Russia) only scores 14.200 on the Uneven Bars while Ana Porgras (Romania) scores 14.575 on the same apparatus.

Britain’s Marissa King nearly falls on the Balance Beam, but manages to stay on for a 13.400.

Ana Porgras nails her Balance Beam set in the second rotation for a 14.850 and the top spot on the apparatus thus far. Sui Lu of China clean on the Floor Exercise with a set that includes a whip + Triple Twist.

Beth Tweddle took some steps after a mistaken first tumbling line of Round-off + 1.5 + Round-off + Back Handspring + Tucked Double Arabian. Everything else was clean. 14.075 for second place on the apparatus.

UPDATE: Kayla Williams is currently the TOP QUALIFIER for the VAULT with a 14.812 average score!!!

Semenova scores 14.075 on the Balance Beam, overcoming her scary falls in podium training on Monday.

Progras (Romania) seems to be having a hit day in the O2.

Jana Komrskova of the Czech Republic sits in third place in the Vault Qualifications.

Marissa King moves into 3rd on Vault ahead of Komrskova with a STUCK Tsukahara 1.5 (14.25) and a Handspring Pike Half (13.45) for a 13.85 average!

Semenova falls on the Floor Exercise on her 1.5 + Front Layout Full, 12.775.

Porgras gets a 14.175 on the Floor Exercise. We should see her in the Finals.

Yana Demyanchuk of Ukraine falls off the Uneven Bars, but does three consecutive release skills. Score: 13.150.

Un Hyang Kim (DPR Korea) scored 14.775 on the Balance Beam! She did a Round-off + Layout Full Twist on the Beam and is in 2nd place on this apparatus.

Beth Tweddle misses her namesake release skill and taps her feet on her Ejova. Sad day for British Gym. Beth will not partake in the Uneven Bars Final scoring only 13.850.

Bridget Sloan scores 14.600 to secure herself a tentative spot in the Uneven Bars Finals.

Porgras leads the All-Around after three divisions. Bridget Sloan sits in 3rd, but is currently ranked 2nd on the Uneven Bars.

Yana Demyanchuk falls from the Balance Beam on her full turn.

He Kexin (China) was apparently magnificent on the Uneven Bars… scoring 15.975, by FAR the highest score of the competition for the Women. She will likely be the World Uneven Bars Champion by this week’s end.

After three subdivisions:

1. PORGRAS, Ana (Romania) 57.300
2. DENG, Linlin (China) 56.350
3. SLOAN, Bridget (USA) 56.075
4.  KURBATOVA, Ekaterina (Russia) 55.950
5. YANG, Yilin (China) 55.500