Adding to the cultural thoughts about pen and cutlery holding…my first thought when seeing Jade hold her pen that way was, “no way she grew up going to Catholic Schools”😂
Assuming Algeria is going to get the Africa spot for the foreseeable future, what if we got to the point where South Africa or Egypt was fielding a stronger team than Finland/Czech Republic/Austria etc (whoever is the last European qualifier)…what would be the path to changing the qualifications...
Are the continental championships the only way countries can advance a team to worlds? Given roughly equivalent competitiveness, would be preferable to see the 2nd best country from one continent over the 13th best country from another at a World Championship.
Ciena Alipio announces her retirement from gymnastics. I assume to shut down any chances of returning to elite? Or was there a chance she could take a 5th year?
I think with HBO’s deal with Sky ending next year, the HBO MAX launching directly to subscribers in UK in March 2026 (and a few other countries in Western Europe beginning of 2026) will have the same programming as HBO MAX in the US.
I think Melnikova’s overall artistry and D advantage should allow her to beat Wong even with a fall, provided their execution on that day is equal. I thought Wong had better execution on that day, so should have edged Melnikova, though only by a tenth or two. Looking back scoring wasn’t as...
Ugh just a very unsatisfying result. I wish Melnikova would have hit. She looks great and I would have been able to cheer for her winning if so, I think she is the best AA athlete at this competition. Just not win with a fall better…