Andy's Angle

American women dominate worlds qualifications...a gymnast-by-gymnast look

gymaht@aol.com (Andy Thornton) — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 16:50:09 GMT

Here are some gymnast-by-gymnast observations of the American team in the qualifications…

Some thoughts on the women's qualifications...What's happened to the all-around?

gymaht@aol.com (Andy Thornton) — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 14:31:47 GMT

Here were a few of my general observations from the women’s qualifications…

U.S. Men's World Team Announced....Shocked!?

gymaht@aol.com (Andy Thornton) — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 23:13:52 GMT

Here is the 2015 U.S. Men's World Championship team, which was just announced this evening after the conclusion of the P&G U.S. Championships:

Women's Finals...Post-Meet Thoughts

gymaht@aol.com (Andy Thornton) — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 00:31:17 GMT

Just got back from the women's finals and wanted to post some immediate thoughts...

The Top 12 Contenders For the Women's World Team....Is There A Dark Horse?

gymaht@aol.com (Andy Thornton) — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 17:29:38 GMT

Six male and female gymnasts will be selected for the upcoming world championships to be held in Glasgow, Scotland Oct 23- Nov 2, 2015. Tonight represents the final opportunity for the women's contenders to prove themselves in major competition before the team is selected. At this point in time, it looks like we have four front runners who are all but shoo-ins for the team, and in my opinion, eight legitimate contenders for the last two spots. Here's a look at the 12 gymnasts who seem to be in the mix:

5 Shockers From Women's Day 1 at the U.S. Championships

gymaht@aol.com (Andy Thornton) — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 13:21:01 GMT

1. Maggie Nichols Dazzles. We knew she was right in the mix after her extremely impressive performance at the recent Secret U.S. Classic, but would anyone have ever predicted this gymnast would be leading the two-time world all-around champion and THREE Olympic champions in the all-around after 3 events at the U.S. National Championships? I seriously doubt it. On a night when just about everyone was faltering, Maggie continued to showcase her trademark confidence and consistency - with some stunning new skills as well. She is leaner and more elegant than she was a couple years ago, yet is stronger and more powerful at the same time. She's developed an exquisite combination of qualities and has become a magnificent athlete to watch. Witnessing a gymnast of her height pull off skills like a double-double on floor and a full-in off beam is breathtaking, and she has the poise and artistry now to complete the full package. I'd call her basically a shoo-in for the world team at this point, and the sky's the limit for how far this gymnast will go in the coming year. I'm excited to watch her again tonight and see where she ends up in this all-around race.

Russian Resurgence!

jay@american-gymnast.com (amgym) — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 20:54:27 GMT

Perhaps the loudest statement made at this week’s European Championships in Montpellier, France was made by the Russian women. This is by far the strongest this team has looked in quite some time….certainly since the 2012 Olympics, and I may go so far as to say since 2010 when this team won the world title. Not to take anything away from Switzerland’s Giulia Steingruber, who undoubtedly delivered the competition of her career by winning the all-around gold and individual medals on floor and vault, but this Russian Resurgence is big news.

The First Quintuple Turn? Test Your Gymnastics Eyes

gymaht@aol.com (Andy Thornton) — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 19:33:18 GMT

Is this the first quintuple turn ever attempted in competition? Check it out after her 2nd tumbling pass (starts at 39 sec):

They're Back! Olympic Champions From London Launch Impressive Comebacks in Italy

jay@american-gymnast.com (amgym) — Sat, 28 Mar 2015 18:59:00 GMT

by Andy Thornton

Biles Wows Arlington Crowd....Can Anyone Catch Her Before Rio?

gymaht@aol.com (Andy Thornton) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 17:27:44 GMT

I’ve decided we’re going to have to blindfold Simone Biles at her next competition to give the other gymnasts at least a fighting chance.