Oh the Classics. How I love thee... but also, how I hate your guts. Let's start with the LOVE!!
Love: Our first look into the depth of what the US has to offer in Londontown. With 9 former world champions/medalists and a slew of new talent, it is truly an exposition of our stremph. The new senior have SOOOO much to prove if they want to take the place of the veterans. And the Veterans have EVEN more to prove. They have to prove they're still somewhat relevant, in shape, and recovered from whatever injuries they've had.
Favorite newcomers:
The Finnz:
Powerhouse Price:
Double front pike Brenna:
I know that the last two have a SLIM chance of making the Olympic team, but I can't wait to see the show they put on.
What I HATE about the classics: Where the hell is the all around? Almost NO ONE is competing on all 4 events. There's no pressure to. There's still 2 more meets to determine the team, so everyone is "saving" themselves. I always feel bad for gymnasts like Raisin and Vega who go all out and compete everything, and seem to get little to no recognition for it. Liukin is only doing beam (and probably a watered-down set at best), Wiebz is only doing two events, and Maroney is rumored to only do a couple as well. I want to see these girls go ALL OUT!! If I was on the selection committee, seeing that someone is already ready to go, with only needing some cleaning up, on all four events would stand out so much more to me. Anyone agree?
Also a major player in the classics is the uneven bar event finals. Here's a rad article highlighting that event: http://theepanel.blogspot.com/2012/05/absolute-classic.html
Can't wait for Saturday!!