I'm not sure if Bob is adding the run into this issue or just verifying what I said about not judging the run. i.e. If the run is wrong, the vault will not turn out well most of the time. This isn't just based on the gymnast's ability to run but if they start their run at a good distance to get the hurdle they need. I was once told and have since verified that a good vaulter can vault from just 3 steps. This is where the added strength would come in to obtain the power needed off the board to actually vault and obviously there are many vaults that couldn't be done out of just 3 steps but a front hand spring isn't that difficult.
As far as the weakest gymnasts being the ones that can't run, I find it a bit more random than that. I've seen kids that just don't know how to run. Many of the run on their heels and get no speed at all. Physical strength isn't really the issue in this case. I'll agree that running strengthens the core muscle and a strong core is needed to actually bounce on vault.
As far as the weakest gymnasts being the ones that can't run, I find it a bit more random than that. I've seen kids that just don't know how to run. Many of the run on their heels and get no speed at all. Physical strength isn't really the issue in this case. I'll agree that running strengthens the core muscle and a strong core is needed to actually bounce on vault.