We complain and complain and complain about the FIG, and Bruno Grandi, and we talk about what we would do if we were in charge, and I'm going to put up what I would change, if I ruled the sport of gymnastics.
First things first, get rid of the tie breakers!
If two gymnasts receive the same score, award them the same rank, especially if a medal is in question! If two gymnasts perform the same, according to the judges, leave it alone! The gymnasts deserve that to themselves, and so do their coaches. They may not necessarily leave in one piece, or they may be disappointed in how they perform, but at least let the gymnasts leave with the peace of mind that they placed where they were supposed to, mathematically. There aren't tie breakers at Worlds, so why in the Olympics?
Second, Abolish the "two-per-country" rule.
Don't you want the best competing in the finals? Isn't depth something to be rewarded? I believe so, and that can not happen due to the two per country rule. Part of this is that Jo couldn't try to defend her title, but another part of this is for all of those "third best"- I use that term VERY lightly- gymnasts from a power house who got screwed over by the FIG, so this would be a rule that would be quick to go as well.
Thirdly, More large meets throughout the year.
This one is for all of the fans, especially in the US who don't go to many meets other than Worlds and the Games. I understand why there aren't more major meets, for the mental health of the athletes, but for us US fans, it would be nice to see more than 3-4 meets a year!
Lastly, Bring back the Grandfather Clause!
This one is for Grishy, Kyla, Larisa and every other gymnast who got screwed over for experience. That extra year gives these gymnasts confidence to compete well at the biggest meet of their lives. They were just thrown into competition, which as I'm typing this reminds me WAY to much of the Hunger Games, so I'm just going to leave you with this. 2000 babies (for 2016), may the odds be ever in your favor:)
So that's all for now, I have so many other thoughts in my head, and if I feel like writing them down, I'll share them with you!
Agreed. Everything you wrote here is absolutely correct (in my opinion at least). I love this post and really wish that you were in charge of running FIG. Judging by this you would do an excellent job! :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with the tie breaker. I think it tarnished the games a bit and made it less enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI'm torn with the 3-per country. Yes, as long as they increase the total number of athletes that get to compete. Also, the international meets seems to be a US issue. Other girls go to World Cup meets and have friendly meets. That might have to be on a country by country basis rather than the FIG. They've actually had to cancel world cup meets due to low attendance!
I hadn't thought about the Grandfather Clause. I think all the athletes handled it well considering the Olympics ended up being their first major international competition. But I wouldn't mind a junior Worlds or something so the quad babies have the chance to experience something so grand.
Maggie- Thank you for your kind words!
ReplyDeleteArabian Punch Front-Absolutely agree that they should increase the number of participants, I'd much rather that, more gymnastics to watch! On your point about junior worlds, I don't think many countries would view it as a large event, I feel like it would go the same way as the Youth Olympics, many countries didn't participate!
Not sure about the junior worlds, the junior europeans are well attended and a great experience for the youngsters. I think it would be great for them to meet on a world stage.
ReplyDeletevery true! I believe junior Euros are well attended because they are held in conjunction with Senior Euros, so many conjoining Worlds with Juniors worlds would be very smart!
DeleteEileen- thank you for your kind words! One of the greatest feelings in the world is knowing that people find your knowledge useful. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteHey, just thought I'd inform you, the FIG has been pushing for tie breakers at the Olympics for a while, it's the IOC who doesn't allow it. That's why it only happens at the Olympics, and not the WC :) If you look at Bruno Grandi's letters, her has expressed support for tie breakers multiple times :). I especially like your last point though - it allows gymnast like Ksenia Semenova to win medals at their peak, as they may not be in great shape the next year, while still emphasizing on having girls at a mature age as the main competitors, in addition to the experience it gives, which may have hugely helped a competitor such a Grishina.
ReplyDeleteWhoops, I meant to say in the comment above, that the FIG has been pushing to get rid of tie breakers, but it's the IOC who is keeping the tie breakers in place, not the other way around, and that Bruno Grandi has expressed support to get rid of tie breakers. Whoops haha. :)
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