2016 Women's Artistic Gymnastics Olympic Team!

[Sandra]

Did not realize there were such stringent rules regarding when an athlete leaves due to an injury and an alternate can come in. And, I can see how space is a constraint in the Olympic Village; they're hosting over 10,000 athletes that compete in so many different sports. I didn't think the alternates would get to stay with the other athletes on the team, but I figured they could get hotel rooms for the alternates and their coaches, and practice in an alternate facility (not sure how many gyms there are in the Rio area, but I imagine in London there were many gyms in the near vicinity, but I don't think the alternates were present).

My other question is, why are the men usually in the stands cheering on their teammates during the Olympics, and the women's alternates aren't. During the Men's trials they showed a clip of the 2012 alternates: Brooks, Legendre, and Naddour sitting in the stands in London cheering on their teammates. Do they pay out of pocket to go there as spectators/does the Men's team reserve some seats in their section for the alternates? I just find it strange that one side of USAG brings the whole team and the other doesn't. I'm sure the girls would love to go and enjoy the experience even if they aren't allowed to stay in the Olympic Village.

 

[Aero]

Bless you Aero...can always count on you to focus on the positive! Agree about Madison and Ashton, they are in a class by themselves right now for USA on UB.

The Olympic Trials are a super exciting event, and I was eagerly awaiting the dates for both days of competition for a while, not to mention the naming of the Olympic team! Why would I waste my time worrying about things that are out of my control, especially when there's so much excitement going on? I am completely jacked for Rio; I absolutely cannot wait. Yes, I'm sure the NBC coverage will be much less than desirable but there is so much more to be happy about instead. I've been continually talking to my athletes about all the pre-Olympic meets (American Cup, Secret U.S. Classic, P&G Championships, and Olympic Trials), and now they are all incredibly excited for the Olympics. The atmosphere is great on the team right now.

As far as Ashton and Madison, my favorite event to coach and watch is uneven bars, so I love watching them. I'm rooting for Madison all the way!

 

[raenndrops]

Did not realize there were such stringent rules regarding when an athlete leaves due to an injury and an alternate can come in. And, I can see how space is a constraint in the Olympic Village; they're hosting over 10,000 athletes that compete in so many different sports. I didn't think the alternates would get to stay with the other athletes on the team, but I figured they could get hotel rooms for the alternates and their coaches, and practice in an alternate facility (not sure how many gyms there are in the Rio area, but I imagine in London there were many gyms in the near vicinity, but I don't think the alternates were present).

My other question is, why are the men usually in the stands cheering on their teammates during the Olympics, and the women's alternates aren't. During the Men's trials they showed a clip of the 2012 alternates: Brooks, Legendre, and Naddour sitting in the stands in London cheering on their teammates. Do they pay out of pocket to go there as spectators/does the Men's team reserve some seats in their section for the alternates? I just find it strange that one side of USAG brings the whole team and the other doesn't. I'm sure the girls would love to go and enjoy the experience even if they aren't allowed to stay in the Olympic Village.

My understanding is they pay their own way... And being adults, it is easier for them to go than having unchaperoned teenage girls roaming a foreign country...

 

[chalkbowl]

My other question is, why are the men usually in the stands cheering on their teammates during the Olympics, and the women's alternates aren't. During the Men's trials they showed a clip of the 2012 alternates: Brooks, Legendre, and Naddour sitting in the stands in London cheering on their teammates. Do they pay out of pocket to go there as spectators/does the Men's team reserve some seats in their section for the alternates? I just find it strange that one side of USAG brings the whole team and the other doesn't. I'm sure the girls would love to go and enjoy the experience even if they aren't allowed to stay in the Olympic Village.

I noticed a gym fundraiser yesterday for Ashton Locklear and her family to travel to Rio. I'm assuming much of it comes down to the cost of flying the athlete AND parents to the games when it comes to the Women.

 

[sce]

Still a good question as to why an alternate or all the alternates will not travel to Brazil. The men's will be. The whole men's team including alternates is heading to Brazil soon. They can't stay in the village but they will be nearby.

 

[sce]

My understanding is they pay their own way... And being adults, it is easier for them to go than having unchaperoned teenage girls roaming a foreign country...

I don't know though. Akash's coach said they both had to go down to Brazil. Do you have to pay for it if you recreations to do it?

 

[raenndrops]

I don't know though. Akash's coach said they both had to go down to Brazil. Do you have to pay for it if you recreations to do it?

I am not sure. Maybe if they are required to go, they can use their USAG funding to subsidize the trip. This is speculation on my part.

 

[skschlag]

I am not sure. Maybe if they are required to go, they can use their USAG funding to subsidize the trip. This is speculation on my part.

Or the ones that are hilton honors, maybe that program pays for it.

 

[Seeker]

Or the ones that are hilton honors, maybe that program pays for it.

This is my thought at well -- the men's program is funded differently and Hilton as a main sponsor more than likely takes care of a good portion of these expenses.

 

[notthatmom]

I think alternates can actually go if they want to, I bet they just can't stay in the Olympic village....Anna Li went to London in 2012 and trained with the team (which unfortunately is where she got hurt). I wonder if at some point it's just up to the athlete, and they go on their own accord either per their decision, or as a precautionary thing from the coaches in case they will be needed.
They also might just go to cheer on their team mates if they're able to. It does seem weird that they are so far away while awaiting the potential to be called up in case of an injury, but it's probably a financial thing as well, some countries or athletes simply may not be able to afford the trip if it's merely for the chance that they might be used at the games.

 

[Sandra]

I think alternates can actually go if they want to, I bet they just can't stay in the Olympic village....Anna Li went to London in 2012 and trained with the team (which unfortunately is where she got hurt). I wonder if at some point it's just up to the athlete, and they go on their own accord either per their decision, or as a precautionary thing from the coaches in case they will be needed.
They also might just go to cheer on their team mates if they're able to. It does seem weird that they are so far away while awaiting the potential to be called up in case of an injury, but it's probably a financial thing as well, some countries or athletes simply may not be able to afford the trip if it's merely for the chance that they might be used at the games.

I was just thinking that I might have seen Anna Li in the stands in London. And, the fundraiser page for Ashton seems to confirm that they can pay their own way and go to Rio and sit with the rest of the USAG contingency.

If the girl's coaches are there, wouldn't they be their chaperone? This is assuming they would train in Rio with their coaches if they went.

I read an article on TeamUSA where all the men were asked a questions that was basically "What are you most looking forward to in Rio, regardless of whether you compete?" in different iterations... to me this implies that they probably don't pay if it's expected that they for sure go to Rio (considering it may not be economically feasible for someone to go if it's not paid for). <Link Removed

Regardless I'm glad the alternates on the Men's side get to go, especially since the experience can really drive athlete's to try and make a future Olympics... Naddour and Brooks

On another note, I look forward to seeing team USA hopefully take every gold Despite the controversy surrounding the team selection and trials, I do think this was the most sensible and well rounded team Marta could form.

 

[wallflower]

Well I've been in this sport a long time and have watched the trials forever and have had former teammates both make and not make the team. In the current system, she was selected. However, for those of us who have been around, we are aware of the fact that in the "former" system, she would not have earned her spot. It's hard to teach us old dogs new tricks or at least to forget the old ones! lol! I can adjust, but still haven't forgotten how it used to be.

They used to take the combined scores of Nationals and Trials. There would always be a few petitions like Miller and Moceanu in 96. I believe Miller sat out Nationals in 92 because she was still coming back from an elbow surgery and petitioned based on her Trials results.

Because we all agree that consistency is important and what they actually DID at these meets should count more than reputation right?






The team would look like this:

1. Simone
2. Laurie
3. Aly
4. Gabby
5. Maggie (if you allow her to petition to use just her trials scores)


6. Madison - Alt
7. Ragan - Alt
8. Amelia - Alt
9. Mykayla - I guess she wasn't robbed. You can't bomb nationals and expect to make the team under the old system.

Under the old system what could you do with Ashton?

Interesting huh?

 

[Sandra]

They used to take the combined scores of Nationals and Trials. There would always be a few petitions like Miller and Moceanu in 96. I believe Miller sat out Nationals in 92 because she was still coming back from an elbow surgery and petitioned based on her Trials results.

Because we all agree that consistency is important and what they actually DID at these meets should count more than reputation right?






The team would look like this:

1. Simone
2. Laurie
3. Aly
4. Gabby
5. Maggie (if you allow her to petition to use just her trials scores)


6. Madison - Alt
7. Ragan - Alt
8. Amelia - Alt
9. Mykayla - I guess she wasn't robbed. You can't bomb nationals and expect to make the team under the old system.

Under the old system what could you do with Ashton?

Interesting huh?

Very interesting... makes my heart break even more for Maggie.

Was 2000 the 1st year they took a specialist, Annia Hatch for vault? Seems like the days of the specialist is coming to an end... since they (those in charge of gymnastics at the Olympics) want teams to consist of 4 AA gymnast at the next Olympics. But, I guess in that scenario specialist like Skinner and Locklear could go the Olympics and have a shot at the and event medal even if they don't make the team.

 

[wallflower]

Very interesting... makes my heart break even more for Maggie.

Was 2000 the 1st year they took a specialist, Annia Hatch for vault? Seems like the days of the specialist is coming to an end... since they (those in charge of gymnastics at the Olympics) want teams to consist of 4 AA gymnast at the next Olympics. But, I guess in that scenario specialist like Skinner and Locklear could go the Olympics and have a shot at the and event medal even if they don't make the team.

Annia competed AA at Olympic trials so would you consider her a specialist? I wouldn't, not in the way Ashton is at least. She only ended up competing vault because that's where she fit on that team. Certainly she was selected for her vaulting, but she was an AA gymnast. She was 2004. It was the first Olympics to use 3-3 in team finals.

Taking a "specialist" in 2000 might have benefited someone like Vanessa Atler.

 

[wallflower]

They used to take the combined scores of Nationals and Trials. There would always be a few petitions like Miller and Moceanu in 96. I believe Miller sat out Nationals in 92 because she was still coming back from an elbow surgery and petitioned based on her Trials results.

Because we all agree that consistency is important and what they actually DID at these meets should count more than reputation right?






The team would look like this:

1. Simone
2. Laurie
3. Aly
4. Gabby
5. Maggie (if you allow her to petition to use just her trials scores)


6. Madison - Alt
7. Ragan - Alt
8. Amelia - Alt
9. Mykayla - I guess she wasn't robbed. You can't bomb nationals and expect to make the team under the old system.

Under the old system what could you do with Ashton?

Interesting huh?

You could also look at this team from pure AA ranking and say who could we swap to maximize our team score? Do we need another vault and floor score? No we need bars so you swap Maggie with Madison. Then you pick Ashton as the bar alternate, Mykayla as the floor/vault alternate and Ragan as the beam alternate.

Gosh it's pretty shocking to see that there is some actual logic based on numbers and rankings behind this team.

 

[wandrewsjr]

The Olympic Trials are a super exciting event, and I was eagerly awaiting the dates for both days of competition for a while, not to mention the naming of the Olympic team! Why would I waste my time worrying about things that are out of my control, especially when there's so much excitement going on? I am completely jacked for Rio; I absolutely cannot wait. Yes, I'm sure the NBC coverage will be much less than desirable but there is so much more to be happy about instead. I've been continually talking to my athletes about all the pre-Olympic meets (American Cup, Secret U.S. Classic, P&G Championships, and Olympic Trials), and now they are all incredibly excited for the Olympics. The atmosphere is great on the team right now.

As far as Ashton and Madison, my favorite event to coach and watch is uneven bars, so I love watching them. I'm rooting for Madison all the way!

Love your attitude too much, Aero! We must clone you!

 

[wandrewsjr]

They used to take the combined scores of Nationals and Trials. There would always be a few petitions like Miller and Moceanu in 96. I believe Miller sat out Nationals in 92 because she was still coming back from an elbow surgery and petitioned based on her Trials results.

Because we all agree that consistency is important and what they actually DID at these meets should count more than reputation right?






The team would look like this:

1. Simone
2. Laurie
3. Aly
4. Gabby
5. Maggie (if you allow her to petition to use just her trials scores)


6. Madison - Alt
7. Ragan - Alt
8. Amelia - Alt
9. Mykayla - I guess she wasn't robbed. You can't bomb nationals and expect to make the team under the old system.

Under the old system what could you do with Ashton?

Interesting huh?

You could also look at this team from pure AA ranking and say who could we swap to maximize our team score? Do we need another vault and floor score? No we need bars so you swap Maggie with Madison. Then you pick Ashton as the bar alternate, Mykayla as the floor/vault alternate and Ragan as the beam alternate.

Gosh it's pretty shocking to see that there is some actual logic based on numbers and rankings behind this team.

Logic...numbers...rankings..best team score...what!? Didn't you hear? The team was selected based on who had the most endorsements and already had dolls in production.

 

[Sandra]

Annia competed AA at Olympic trials so would you consider her a specialist? I wouldn't, not in the way Ashton is at least. She only ended up competing vault because that's where she fit on that team. Certainly she was selected for her vaulting, but she was an AA gymnast. She was 2004. It was the first Olympics to use 3-3 in team finals.

Taking a "specialist" in 2000 might have benefited someone like Vanessa Atler.

Thanks for the correction I knew she used to compete AA, but I honestly couldn't remember if she competed it at trials. Was she one of the top AA gymnast in 2004? I consider a "specialist" someone who is not a top AA... because I assume most elite gymnast can perform on every event to some degree, barring injury (Locklear after her back injury/Maroney in 2012) or if they choose to no longer train in that event (Sacramone and bars).

 

[Sandra]

Thanks for the correction I knew she used to compete AA, but I honestly couldn't remember if she competed it at trials. Was she one of the top AA gymnast in 2004? I consider a "specialist" someone who is not a top AA... because I assume most elite gymnast can perform on every event to some degree, barring injury (Locklear after her back injury/Maroney in 2012) or if they choose to no longer train in that event (Sacramone and bars).

Found an old PDF with trials scores Annia Hatch was 11th in AA during trials... I personally would consider her a specialist on the Olympic team because I just can't see her being used for other events (except maybe floor which is typical of vault specialist, beam for bars specialist).

 

[wallflower]

Found an old PDF with trials scores Annia Hatch was 11th in AA during trials... I personally would consider her a specialist on the Olympic team because I just can't see her being used for other events (except maybe floor which is typical of vault specialist, beam for bars specialist).

I'm going on total memory here, but in 2004 the team wasn't selected from trials at all. It was a camp selection. Several people above her went down. Tabitha Yim tore her Achilles, I forget the other injury. Annia was also coming back from the knee injury she sustained at 2003 worlds. So by the time the camp competition rolled around she was in better AA shape. But they never released camp ranking.

I guess I don't consider Annia a specialist because she was a high ranked AA vs someone who actually couldn't do the event AT all if needed. I'm thinking of the definition per competition rules set by USAG. They have a number they must achieve if they are a specialist competing only 1,2,3 events.

It will be interesting leading up to 2020 how things will play out with regards to AA and a true specialist like Ashton and how that works for qualification.