REWIND: WEEK TEN 25/11 : 2016 US gymnastics championship

[MaryClare]

A vintage renewal with lots to discuss. The US had so much depth that whatever team was chosen, a lot of fans would have strong opinions on it.

I never understood the Laurie hype.

The finale of the Marta era and we are treated to a fluff piece about Bela, Marta and the ranch. Yet just a couple of months later, the USAG world would begin to crumble with the arrest of Larry Nassar.

 

[rlayt]

I wasn’t big on Laurie but anything to keep Skinner away.

In true Karolyi/USA form the options got slim at the end.

 

[JDB]

The Laurie hype wasn't because of her gymnastics being unique, though her FX choreography was memorable. A 16 year-old who can walk into Olympic year nationals (and trials) and act like she runs the show is bound to get attention. And she was comfortable with media attention, giving her ample exposure to four-year fans.

 

[CameliasFingerpaint]

Laurie had a presence and a commitment to movement combined with attention to detail that is unheard of for a US gymnast, especially in an Olympic year. Her vault and bars were fine, but she had such an it factor on beam and floor.

 

[IratePanda]

Laurie was the only US gymnast I liked that year, mainly because she's from NJ. (Her home club is maybe 45 minutes from me.)

My daughter had an advanced case of the Terrible Twos during the summer of 2016, so I don't remember much about this competition or the Olympics.

 

[Passion]

I miss this arena layout with the FX in the middle and actual colors used instead of everything being shades of black, white, and grey. The red podium carpet, white podium curtains, dark blue mats, and giant flag behind the beam was the definitive “this is a USAG competiton” look for so long.

Now in 2024 everything is monochrome - it doesn’t look like they even bothered putting a carpet down on top of the podium. Just left it unfinished.

It just looks so half-assed in comparison.