Things I would like to see change in the sport of gymnastics

The Two Per Country Rule

During the course of the Olympics, I shared my thoughts on this topic in a blog post entitled "What I think of the 2 per country rule". I wrote this blog post the night after the preliminary round, very angry and frustrated after my favorite gymnast failed to qualify to the All Around finals. Looking back on that post, I still agree with a lot of the things I said. The USA, along with Russia, Romanian, and China are praised for producing some of the greatest all around gymnasts we have ever seen. These 4 country's have dominated our sport since the beginning of time and it says a LOT about their incredibly strong system that they are still able to produce top all around gymnasts decades later. I think any country that is able to do that, should be rewarded...not punished. The World Championships/Olympic Games are for all athletes to come out and show the world what they can do. However, an all around final in these events are for the best of the best. If the FIG wants to allow the top 24 athletes to advance, then they need to let the TRUE top 24 go through. When you take out the "3rd best gymnast" from each country, you are knocking out a gymnast who has the potential to medal and giving it to someone who has absolutely no shot. I feel like this rule doesn't really benefit anybody, it just hurts some of the greatest gymnasts in the world. Hopefully the FIG will re-consider the 2 per country rule for the next Olympics because I assume we will be seeing more talented gymnasts sitting on the sidelines if the rule isn't changed.

Photo credit: Gregory Bull

The Age Limit

A controversial topic in the sport of gymnastics; the age limit is another thing I would like to see change. We all know off hand a bunch of incredibly talented young juniors who miss the age cut off for the London Olympics by only a few months. It's so heartbreaking because rarely in the sport of gymnastics are we able to see a gymnast stay healthy and in top shape for TWO Olympic cycles. Look at Rebecca Bross or Samantha Shapiro. Both junior standouts in 2008, and not even close to an Olympic spot in 2012. Many gymnasts reach their peak around the age of 14-15 due to the fact that they are physically smaller and haven't endured years of treacherous training and pounding on their bodies. I think that by lowering the age limit to 14 or 15, we would see a larger depth in teams all over the world with athletes who are healthy and at their prime. I'd hate to see such talents as Lexie Priessman or Katelyn Ohashi, burn out before they reach the Olympics.

Photo Credit: Nastia Liukin

No More Tie Breakers

One of the biggest heartbreaks we witnessed at last summer's Olympic Games, was all the athletes who came so close to winning an Olympic medal, only to have it taken away due to a stupid tie breaking procedure. Vanessa Ferrari, Aly Raisman, Catalina Ponor, Nastia Liukin...all victims of the time breaking system. Why can't we give away 2 medals? These gymnasts have worked their entire life's for this moment, and they earned the scores they got. It's not fair to take away a gold medal (or any medal for that matter!) from a gymnast who rightfully earned it. The FIG states that "if no winner has emerged following the dropping of apparatus scores, the execution score total for each gymnast serve as the tie-breaker, followed by his or her total start value. If that doesn't establish a winner, the tie will stand." I know this rule confuses a lot of fans, and I hope it's something the FIG will consider changing.

Photo Credit: Unknown

Allow 7 Member Olympic Teams

Back in the good old days when Olympic teams allowed 7 members! I feel like this sort of team setup brings more variety and depth to the field, and only has positive outcomes. It allows more room for injury, more event specialists, and more talented athletes getting the chance to represent their country. I mean let's be honest, 5 member teams are brutal for countries like the US and Russia!

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated 

No More Mandatory Stuck Landings

This rule came into effect in 2009 and I've hated it ever since. I think allowing the gymnast to take a small step back appears more elegant, and does less harm on the body. I remember watching the Chinese on floor at the 2009 World Championships and thinking about how silly they looked. Small, petite, young girls; trying so hard to stick the landing quite like the men do. Obviously as time went on, I got used to it. Maybe even a little too used to it. Every now and then when I'm watching college gymnastics, my mind naturally thinks to take a deduction when the gymnast steps back. Also the need to "stick the landing" has brought out the dreaded leaps and jumps that we see nearly every gymnast preforming. Apart from the Russians, these leaps look horrible (I'm looking at you Lauren Mitchell!) and they take away what little bit of artistry is left in this sport.

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated 

No Standing In The Corners

The newest rule in artistic gymnastics came with the 2013-2016 Code of Points. This rule states that you may not stand in the corner of the floor exercise mat on two feet for longer than a second. Yes, you read that right! Basically, this means that a gymnast has to stand near the corner of the floor to catch her breath before moving into her tumbling pass, but not directly in the corner. Also, don't think about standing in the corner and waving your arms around. The judges aren't stupid and they will deduct if your entire body is not in motion. You can dance in the corner...but not stand in the corner and catch your breath. Sounds safe...

Photo Credit: Unknown

What sort of changes would YOU like to see in the next few years? Leave a comment below!