- Feb 16, 2022
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There are often questions on this forum about "is it fair for former elites to compete L10?" or "Is it fair for someone training tops to compete L4?" or "Is it fair for someone with L7 skills to compete L5?" etc. etc. and my opinion to all of these is a simple "yes." I mean, we all know that gymnastics isn't fair, and there are many reasons for gymnasts to compete at various levels. It's complicated, and the best plan in this sport is for athletes to just focus on themselves, IMHO.
But I'm finding myself wondering about this overall philosophy when it comes to the Nastia Cup. I'm not an expert, but it's my understanding that the competition was established to give DP (formerly JO) athletes an opportunity to "compete on the big stage." To get the experience of competing on a podium, with commentators, a broadcast, etc. While I'm so happy for all who qualified and won, I kind of have to wonder if it's in the spirit of the competition for someone who was on the national team, presumably had many opportunities to compete on podium, maybe even in international competitions, etc. to compete (and in this case, win) the Nastia Luikin Cup. I am NOT trying to throw shade on any particular athlete (who I'm sure is AMAZING and of course qualified and won under the rules that are in place.) But I'm kind of wondering if the rules/qualification criteria are in line with the intent and spirit of the competition. (As I understand it, only current and recent national team members are excluded.)
Yes, I'm looking for a distraction in my day and CB hasn't had too many spicy debates lately, so I thought I'd ask the group. What do you think?
But I'm finding myself wondering about this overall philosophy when it comes to the Nastia Cup. I'm not an expert, but it's my understanding that the competition was established to give DP (formerly JO) athletes an opportunity to "compete on the big stage." To get the experience of competing on a podium, with commentators, a broadcast, etc. While I'm so happy for all who qualified and won, I kind of have to wonder if it's in the spirit of the competition for someone who was on the national team, presumably had many opportunities to compete on podium, maybe even in international competitions, etc. to compete (and in this case, win) the Nastia Luikin Cup. I am NOT trying to throw shade on any particular athlete (who I'm sure is AMAZING and of course qualified and won under the rules that are in place.) But I'm kind of wondering if the rules/qualification criteria are in line with the intent and spirit of the competition. (As I understand it, only current and recent national team members are excluded.)
Yes, I'm looking for a distraction in my day and CB hasn't had too many spicy debates lately, so I thought I'd ask the group. What do you think?