For the years that I have been involved in gymnastics, China have been this ‘super power’ that every coach, gymnast and Spectator watched in amazement as they performed skills and routines that are verging on impossible. In my younger years as a coach I thought they could never be beaten. Fast forward several years to 2012, more specifically the Olympic games, it is clear that they are being caught up by other Nations. The lack of AA gymnast at the games says to me that they are not as rich in depth as they were in past cycles and it makes me wonder why?… I predict that in 8 years time they will be in a dog fight for medals with countries such as Japan (depth, style, work ethic), Great Britain ( a never ending talent pool of juniors, want and desire to win, the steepest improvement curve of any nation)!, Russia ( the rebuild is clearly on the right path!), Ukraine ( great young gymnasts performing BIG routines in 2012) and the USA ( full of power, belief, big skills and big scores). How long will it be before we see the Chinese as ‘just another team in the hunt’ for a medal, not even GOLD.
I wonder?
Yeah I certainly agree with you there Lee. Esp. in regards to the development curve of Team GB and also the talent pool of the Britain’s young gymnasts. Wait until we release our very own little Dragons on the world stage. ‘Inspire a generation’ they are already inspired I think.