Saturday 8 November 2014

Variety in routine composition

Most gymnasts stick to the same routine composition for most if not all their carrears. Most put in few skills or take some out but the routine stays for the most part the same. But some very talented gymnasts like Beth Tweedle shuffle the skills around and the new routine is completely different from the old one. Another on is Charlie Fellows also of Great Britain. Her routines during the seasons 2012, 2013 and 2014 are very different and show extraordinary talent.

Charlie Fellows 2012

a fairly normal routine with a Tkatchev a Gienger and a Double Layout

Charlie Fellows 2013 routine

During that year she learned a Ray and Maloney and the elgrip giants are later in the routine

Charlie Fellows 2014 routine
This time round the el grip is out and in come stalder Shaposhnikova (? Memmell) and Khorkina.

Really the only thing that stays the same is the dismount. This shows that the coaches at Liverpool are not afraid of trying new things and combinations. Although these routines are not very original compared to some it is highly entertaining to show gymnasts willing to change their routines. This way the sport stays interesting and fun for all : Gymnasts, Coaches, Judges and Fans.

The Brits headed by Liverpool continue to be the most interesting bar workers in the world.

Monday 13 October 2014

The Art in Artistic gymnastics

Over the last two weeks in Nanning the question about artistry and sometimes the lack thereof was often hotly debated. It is true that people will never agree what is artistic and what not. Few routines whether or not in the finals are worth mentioning and they show how different great artistry can and should be different.

Simone Biles
The best gymnast in the world today. She is no ballerina and she does not pretend to be one and she should never try. Her routine  shows her explosiveness, lively character and great personality. The composition is great and suits her perfectly. The music is wisely chosen and fits the routine. She shows confidence, uses the music perfectly and is a joy to watch. And we are not talking about the tumbling which is as difficult as it is seems to easy for her.




Marine Brevet
A totally different routine to Simone´s. She shows grace, maturity and artistry. Her use of the music and her strength is feel for the beat of the music and good feel for movement and feeling.

Martha Pihan Kulesza
Her maturity and endless charisma is a joy to watch. The confidence to use the Pink Panther which is one of the most overused piece of music in gymnastics. This could go so horribly wrong but is so perfectly right.


Three very different routines from three different young women who show that artistry can be different and unique.