casual gym fan

Skill : Heron/ Double tucked with 1.5 twist

value: F

- we’re only over the recent couple years seeing the effect of covid on the junior program

- we’re also now seeing the effect of the Nassar scandal making parents rethink putting their children into gymnastics

- NCAA has become the goal rather than elite for more people because it offers better life balance while growing up, and offers a better chance at reward (much more college spots to go around than olympic spots). many talented levels 10s are choosing just to stay there than try for elite

The US is not dominant at the moment. Even if they lean heavily on veterans, this would not ensure dominance. Particularly not if Russia is allowed to compete as a team and if Italy keeps up their current trajectory of improvement.

The US is still very competitive, even without veterans. The most telling thing was their team score at Pan-Ams last year. They showed up with Dulcy Caylor, Jayla Hang, Gabrielle Hardie, Hezly Rivera, and Tiana Sumanasekera. They put up a 164.7. Which is a little better than Brazil did in 2024 for Bronze. Granted, the Pan Ams team appear to have had a pretty perfect day, and this was not the case for the Brazilians, but the context is helpful.

Skill: Handspring layout with ½ twist

Monica Shaw (USA)