The 1999 World Championships are approaching very fast now and many people have
expressed their predictions. Well here are mine. I've listed as many countries with Pro's and Con's as well as AA and EF predictions too. But my biggest prediction is that I think that the Spanish Women and France Men will make team finals (top 6)! I know that may be going out on a limb, but both countries have shown the capacity for huge scores. On to the predictions...
Women's Team
1. Russia- Amazing depth, talent, execution, form and difficulty. With THREE 10.0 SV vaults being done (Lobaznyuk and Zamolodchikova's Tsuk double fulls and Produnova's Double front), there is no reason they shouldn't win unless they fall way apart. As of now, their team is amazing!! Svetlana Khorkina (97 World AA Champ), Elena Produnova (99 Russian Nat'l Champ), Anna Kovalyova (98 Jr. European and Russian Champ) and Elena Zamolodchikova (first women to do a 10.0 SV vault in new code) have already been chosen for the team. Also Lobaznyuk and Evegenia Kuznetsova have good chances at individual medals.
Top AA performer: Elena Produnova or Svetlana Khorkina (:P Laures!).
Best Two EF Chances: Elena Zamolodchikova (VT), Svetlana Khorkina (UB).
Team: Elena Produnova, Evgenia Kuznetsova, Ekaterina Lobaznyuk, Elena Zamolodchikova, Svetlana Khorkina, Anna Kovalyova, Ludmilla Ezhova (Alternate).
Subdivision (of 8): 5
2. Romania- Good clean, consistent performances make up the Romanian squad this year. Although their team this year is stronger than most, I do not think they will be able to defend their string of three consecutive World titles. Simona Amanar will lead the team with her classical Romanian routines. But she will be ably supported by veterans Corina Ungureanu (member of the 97 Worlds team and the 98 European FX Champ) and Maria Olaru (98 European team member, 99 Romanian Nat'l Champ). Also competing are the up and coming stars, Andreea Isarescu, Andreea Raducan and the new Jr. Romanian Nat'l champ, Andreea Ulmeanu. This team will have strong vaulting and floor, but bars and beam might be a bit of a problem. I expect this team to have more artistry than in the past on bars, beam and floor with expressive performances from Ungureanu and the two Andreeas.
Top AA performer: Simona Amanar.
Best Two EF Chances: Simona Amanar (FX), Maria Olaru (FX).
Team: Simona Amanar, Maria Olaru, Andreea Raducan, Andreea Isarescu, Corina Ungureanu, Loredana Boboc, Andreea Ulmeanu (Alternate).
Subdivision (of 8): 4
3. Ukraine- Pefect technique, spotless form, amazing originality and good variety make Ukraine a solid medal contender. Led by the experienced Viktoria Karpenko, I expect Ukraine to be able to push China out of the medals. Look for dynamic performances from tiny Olga Roschupkina and Tatiana Yarosh who both won individual gold medals (as well as the team gold) at last years Jr. European Championships. Also watch out for Olga Teslenko to sneak in there for a medal one either bars or beam. Vault will be an issue with Ukraine though with only a couple high difficulty vaults coming from Karpenko and Roschupkina.
Top AA performer: Viktoria Karpenko.
Best Two EF Chances: Olga Roschupkina (UB), Olga Teslenko (BB)
Team: Viktoria Karpenko, Olga Roschupkina, Tatiana Yarosh, Olga Teslenko, Inga Shkarupa, Natalia Gorodny, Galina Tyryk (Alternate).
Subdivision (of 8): 1
4. China- With extreme amplitude on bars and beam the Chinese are heavy favorites for a team medal. I think the biggest problem with China is experience. Right now, only one member of their 97 World team is returning (Liu Xuan). But waiting in the wings is a host of rising stars like Ling Jie and Bai Chunyue (who ironically made their big international debut at the ITC meet in America: Ling in 98, Bai in 99). Expect upgraded vaults from the team was well as some exceptional yet almost identical performances on bars and beam. Xu Jing (98 Asian Games team member) will most likely deliver good performances on the vault and floor.
Top AA performer: Liu Xuan or Bai Chunyue.
Best Two EF Chances: Ling Jie (UB and BB) Bai Chunyue (VT).
Team: Liu Xuan, Bai Chunyue, Xu Jing, Ling Jie, Dong Fanxiao, Huang Mandan, Qi Linzi (Alternate).
Subdivision (of 8): 7
5. Spain- I'm taking the biggest chance of this prediction with Spain. A relative up and coming nation, they have easily defeated France, Australia, Italy and Germany among others in recent dual meets. And lost to the super power that is Romania by less than 2 points in May. They have sent their top athletes to numerous competitions over the past year gaining fans, respect and experience. Sara Moro and Laura Martinez will lead the team. But Jenniffer Montavez has a UB routine that just won't quit and Paloma Moro is the perfect lead off athlete on each event. Also look for the powerful but slightly inexperienced Ester Moya to pull through with good performances on vault and beam especially.
Top AA performer: Laura Martinez or Sara Moro.
Best Two EF Chances: Jenniffer Montavez (UB), Ester Moya (VT).
Team: (un-announced, but my guesses) Sara Moro, Laura Martinez, Paloma Moro, Jenniffer Montavez, Rebecca Toledano, Ester Moya, Diana Plaza (Alternate).
Subdivision (of 8): 1
6. USA- A nice and diverse group with a lot of experience and solid routines to back them up. I think that the innovative Jeanette Antolin may be the spark and surprise that the US needs to break into the top six. Vanessa Atler and Kristen Maloney come into this meet with glossy resumes as well as naggin injuries which might affect their performances. Perhaps the consistant '99 American Cup winner, Jennie Thompson, will become the new team leader or Jamie Dantzscher with her outgoing personality and super bars and floor will push the US to a higher position than 6th. The faultlesly clean Elise Ray has an upgraded vault and new bars routine that is a definate medal threat and her floor has always been World Class. I think that the US could get higher than 6th but probably not in the medals. This team right now, I believe is the best team that we have had since '96 and is a good team to build on going into the Olympics in Sydney.
Top AA performer: Vanessa Atler.
Best Two EF Chances: Elise Ray (UB), Vanessa Atler (VT).
Team: Vanessa Atler, Jamie Dantzscher, Kristen Maloney, Jennie Thompson, Jeanette Antolin, Elise Ray, Morgan White (Alternate).
Subdivision (of 8): 8
7. Australia- Excellent presentation, dance and dance highlight the Australian's program this year. With top teams trying everything to get ahead, the Austalians have upgraded all their events in an effort to improve on their 11th place ranking in '97. This is most noted on vault where petite powerhouse, Trudy McIntosh, has become one of the few women with a 10.0 SV vault (Front handspring layout full). There are also other highlights like Allana Slater's jam-"paked" UB routine and the elegance of the '98 Commonwealth Games Champ, Zeena McLaughlin's riveting floor and beam. I think that we should expect the Aussies to fight for everything and get close to a spot in Team Finals (top 6)!
Top AA performer: Trudy McIntosh, Lisa Skinner.
Best Two EF Chances: Allana Slater (UB), Trudy McIntosh (VT).
Team: Zeena McLaughlin, Trudy McIntosh, Allana Slater, Jenny Smith, Jacqui Dunn, Brooke Walker (No Alternate).
Subdivision (of 8): 1
8. Canada- After upsetting the US at the Pan Am Games in July, Canada declared itself a contender for a top 10 finish at Worlds. By combining youth and maturity, they seem to have produced an excellent blend of innovative and consistant perfomances that should yield positive results in major international competition. Look for Yvonne Tousek (98 Pan Am Bars and Floor Champ) to lead her team and also be Canada's number one AA gymnast. But at her heels are the talented Julie Beaulieu (98 Canadian Nat'l Champ), Michelle Conway (98 Pan Ams triple medalist) and Lise Levielle (98 Pan Am Beam Champ). Although they have improved tremendously since the last World Championships, I do not expect Canada to improve their rank (they were 8th in 97 also). Too many other team have improved just as much or more in that time. Mostly expect good consistant team performances with a few original routines from Tousek and Conway that stray from the norm.
Top AA performer: Yvonne Tousek.
Best Two EF Chance: Yvonne Tousek (UB), Michelle Conway (FX).
Team: Yvonne Tousek, Michelle Conway, Julie Beaulieu, Emile Fournier, Kate Richardson, Lise Levielle, Amélie Plante (Alternate).
Subdivision (of 8): 8
9. France- With a surprising 5th place finish in '97, France stunned the World with outrageous choreography and original skills. Now two years later, they have lost a bit of their luster but still remain one of gymnastics most innovative countries. I expect many new elements from this team and some rough places too. Vault is still a weak spot, but rising star, Nelly Ramassamy, has two 9.9 SV and should be the top score on that event. The '98 French AA Champ, Ludivine Furnon, looks poised to lead her team to a high finish this year and Elvire Teza will help add experience and unique routines to the mix.
Top AA performer: Ludivine Furnon.
Best Two EF Chance: Ludivine Furnon (FX), Elvire Teza (UB).
Team: Elvire Teza, Ludivine Furnon, Anne-Sophie Endeler, Emilie Volle, Alexandra Soler, Nelly Ramassamy, Magalie Ruffato
(Alternate to be chosen from that team).
Subdivision (of 8): 1
10. Italy- Although Italy is a relatively new power on the European gymnastics scene, they are just now starting to come into their own and prove that they have what it takes to make top 12. Their top performer is the 1996 Jr. European AA Silver medalist, Adriana Crisci. Crisci is a strong performer on every event and will challenge for a top 15 place in the AA. But also helping out Italy is Martina Bremini (5th AA at 98 Europeans). Other strong Italians include Irene Castelli and Elena Olivetti both finalists at last years Jr. Europeans on bars and beam respectively. Expect sharp and bonus yielding routines from a dynamic Italian team this year!
Top AA performer: Adriana Crisci.
Best Two EF Chance: Adriana Crisci (UB), Martina Bremini (BB).
Team: Adriana Crisci, Martina Bremini, Elena Olivetti, Monica Bergamelli, Irene Castilli, Alice Capitani, Francesca Morotti, Federica Spadone
(Alternate to be chosen from that team after another is dropped).
Subdivision (of 8): 6
11. Great Britain- With some exceptional routines and some quite lack luster ones, I would expect Great Britain to do reasonably well. Led by the talented duo of Annika Reeder or Lisa Mason who have combined won the British National title since 1995, they are strong on floor and beam, but are short on difficulty as a team on bars. Other strong British contenders include Rochelle Douglas (best bars!), Kelly Hackman, Paula Thomas and Natalie Lucitt.
Top AA performer: Annika Reeder or Lisa Mason.
Best Two EF Chance: Annika Reeder (FX), Lisa Mason (FX).
Team: Annika Reeder, Lisa Mason, Kelly Hackman, Paula Thomas, Natalie Lucitt, Sharna Murray, Rochelle Douglas
(Alternate to be chosen from that team after another is dropped).
Subdivision (of 8): 2
12. Belarus- Many people have said that Belarus won't make the Olympics, but I have a slightly different opinion. I'm not expecting miracles from them, but they do have an awesome AA gymnast on their side with Alyona Polozkova. She will have a lot of help from bars expert, Tatiana Zhagranova (who scored a massive 9.825 at the recent Belarussian Open), Yulia Savko (98 Aussie Cup finalist) and World University Games medalist, Inna Poklonskaya. Their main problem will be depth where they have a few good gymnasts, but maybe not quite enough to hold their own in the top 10, so I have them in 12th. But I would not be surprised if the can finish higher (they were '7th in 97).
Top AA performer: Alyona Polozkova.
Best Two EF Chance: Alyona Polozkova (FX), Tatiana Zhagranova (UB).
Team: (Un-Announced, but my guesses are) Alyona Polozkova, Tatiana Zhagranova, Yulia Sobko, Inna Poklonskaya, Natalia Naranovitsch, Elena Savko)
Subdivision (of 8): 2
Also of note:
Brazil- One of the most dynamic countries out there, Brazil has meshed power and elegance to create a combination unique to themselves. With Pan Am Games medalist, Daiane Santos, and the amazing Daniele Hypolito, expect big things from this young team. Another young Brazilian to watch is Marilla Gomes who's graceful style earned fans at the Pan Am Games in Canada.
Top AA performer: Daniele Hypolito.
Best Two EF Chance: Hypolito (UB), Daiane Santos (VT).
Team: Heine Araujo, Marilia Gomes, Daiane Santos, Daniele Hypolito,
Camila Comin, Stefani Salani, Coral Borda, Sue Ellen Freitas (Alternate).
Subdivision (of 8): 2
Netherlands- With bonus-yielding combinations galore and young talent, the Netherlands is quickly becoming a contender for the top 12. In the last two years, the Netherlands have evolved from an average country to one with solid difficulty and good skills.
Uzbekistan- When Uzbekistan decided not to send a full team to World Championships, many people were saddened (including me). This hard working team placed 12th in '97 without their most reliable gymnast, Oksana Chusovitina. Since then, Chusovitina and her teammate, Svetlana Bakhridinova, have traveled the world competing for the under-funded Ukbek National Team. This year, both Chusovitina and Bakhridinova are injured so Alexandra Gordeeva will be the only one to have a chance to go to Worlds.
Germany- The German National Squad has been stronger, but this year they are not looking that bad. With National Champion, Samira Jäger, and the talented but inexperienced, Dagmar Fehrenschild, leading the team, Germany should not place that bad. Other gymnasts to note include Birgit Schweigert and the team veteran, Yvonne Pioch.
Greece- Depending on who Greece sends will be the big question. With Vasiliki Tsavdaridou out of competition since the last World Championships, this years team might be weak. Vasiliki Millousi competed well at this years European Gymnastics Masters but besides that, Greece has not sent a lot of gymnasts outside the country.
Men's Team
1. China- I have no doubt whatsoever that China will retain their World Champion Team title again this year. Like Romania for the women, the Chinese men's team has won every World Championship since 1994. They have the best difficulty and consistancy not seen in any other country. I expect them to dominate again this year with Huang Xu, Yang Wei, Lu Yufu and Li Xiaopeng leading the team. The injured alternate, Zhang Jinjing, may still be able to compete. He will add the most experience to the team (he has competed internationally since 1995). Like in '97, I think China will win by a mile!
Top AA performer: Huang Xu.
Best Two EF Chances: Li Xiaopeng (FX), ANY ATHLETE! (PB).
2. Ukraine- Yes, Ukraine. Why? Three reasons: Alexandr Beresch (99 World University Games Champion), Roman Zozulia (unofficial 98 Goodwill Games bronze medalist), Alexandr Svetlichny (10th AA 96 Olympics). These three form the backbone for a very experienced and deep team. The team is strong on all events but even in 97, all six athletes showed up at Worlds with 10.0 SV vaults! I expect Ukraine to place ahead of both Belarus (silver medalists in 97) and Russia (bronze medalists in 97).
Top AA performer: Alexandr Beresch, Roman Zozulia.
Best Two EF Chances: Alexandr Beresch (HB), Roman Zozulia (VT).
3. Belarus- With the experience of a two-time World Champion, Belarus is poised to retain a place in the medals two years later. Ivan Ivankov is the unchallenged team leader with five previous World Championships behind him (two of which he won). He will be a help on every event where he is clean and consistant. Vitaly Rudnitsky is also a good team player with a number of Grand Prix meets to his credit. The only downside to Belarus now, is that the depth declines after Rudnitsky and Ivankov. But expect Belarus to turn in exciting and consistant exercises to maintain a top position.
Top AA performer: Ivan Ivankov.
Best Two EF Chances: Ivan Ivankov (SR, HB)
4. Russia- With Alexei Bondarenko practically carring his Russian team, do not expect a stellar performance from them this time around. The team leader, Alexei Nemov, is out of most events with chronic shoulder pain and Nikolai Kruykov has not competed much Internationally this year. But if the young Gregori Grebenkov makes the team, expect a few good performances from him. He is a young gymnast with a very big future. But Bondarenko is always a threat for individual medals. I think he is one of the best in the world and will lead his team to better things in Sydney, but this year seems like a downer year for them.
Top AA performer: Alexei Bondarenko.
Best Two EF Chances: Nikolai Kruykov (PH), Alexei Bondarenko (VT).
5. France- Excellent presentation, dance and dance highlight the Australian's program this year. With top teams trying everything to get ahead, the Austalians have upgraded all their events in an effort to improve on their 11th place ranking in '97. This is most noted on vault where petite powerhouse, Trudy McIntosh, has become one of the few women with a 10.0 SV vault (Front handspring layout full). There are also other highlights like Allana Slater's jam-"paked" UB routine and the elegance of the '98 Commonwealth Games Champ, Zeena McLaughlin's riveting floor and beam. I think that we should expect the Aussies to fight for everything and get close to a spot in Team Finals (top 6)!
Top AA performer: Trudy McIntosh, Lisa Skinner.
Best Two EF Chances: Allana Slater (UB), Trudy McIntosh (VT).
6. Japan- With a whole new team, I do not know what to expect from Japan. Traditionally, they have been very strong and in 97 placed 4th (barely out of 3rd). They have not sent many athletes out recently so I am placing them a conservative 6th. They could make top 3 with a really good team or place around 10th where they did in the Olympics. Naoya Tsukahara will probably be their top AA gymnast (World AA bronze in 97) and will likely be their best chance at an individual medal. But beyond that, I do not know who they will send.
Top AA performer: Naoya Tsukahara.
Best Two EF Chances: Naoya Tsukahara (PH, PB).
7. USA- This year, the US team is filled with experience. They have the talent and the desire but might lack some consistancy. I expect Blaine Wilson to rise to his potential and be one of the best in the World if he can hit 6-for-6. With the injury of Jason Gatson, the US might slip a few ranks. Fifth is I think the highest they can achieve with a team minus Jason. Look for Sean Townsend, John Roethlisburger and Yewki Tomita to deliver good scores and help the US retain their 5th place ranking!
Top AA performer: Blaine Wilson.
Best Two EF Chances: Blaine Wilson (SR, PB)
8. Germany- Germany has the perfect mix of youth and experience this year. Three time Olympian ('88-'96; as well as current German Champ), Andreas Wecker, is leading the team in terms of experience, but fellow 88 Olympic veteran (but competing for the USSR then), Sergei Kharkov, is still one of the top athletes competing for Germany. Headlining the younger generation is Dimitry Nonin who's perfect body line and toe point compliment his difficult exercises. Along with Kharkov and Nonin, Valeri Belenki (current PH World Champ) hails from the former Soviet Union. Belenki has competed in every World Championships since '91 and has won the Pommels title twice ('91 and '97).
Top AA performer: Sergei Kharkov or Andreas Wecker.
Best Two EF Chance: Valeri Belenki (PH), Andreas Wecker (SR).
9. Spain- Although they will be heavily relying on the expertise of Jesus Carballo (98 Euro HB Champ, 96 World HB Champ), the Spanish Men's team is looking good for a top position going into Sydney. With Carballo being one of the top 10 AA gymnasts in the World, I expect a steady performance from the Spaniards. Carballo has top routines on SR, PB and HB but will probably on make the later two. Also competing are Andreau Vivo (99 French Int'l HB winner) and Gervasio Deferr (98 Jr. Euro FX champ) who are sure to make their mark as well.
Top AA performer: Jesus Carballo.
Best Two EF Chance: Jesus Carballo (PB, HB).
10. Cuba- Winning the Pan American Games over the US and Canada this year couldn't have hurt Cuba's chances for a top 12 finish! Led by veteran, Eric Lopez Rios ('99 Pan Am AA Champ, 8th AA '97 Worlds), they stand a good chance to improve on their 11th place in '97. Also in the mix are Lazaro Lamelas (3rd AA '99 Pan Ams), Abel Driggs ('99 Pan Ams Vault Champ) and Yohandy Diaz (3-time medalist at '99 Pan Ams). I expect flashy but somewhat inconsistant performances from this team. They might even finish higher than 10th with a good meet.
Top AA performer: Adriana Crisci.
Best Two EF Chance: Adriana Crisci (UB), Martina Bremini (BB).
11. Romania- Besides having strong Pommels, Vaulting and High Bar, I expect Romania to crash to a low finish this year. With three of their top athletes defecting to the US after the International Team Championships this year, they are at a loss in terms of depth. Rares Orzata and Marian Dragulescu are their best AA gymnasts now. The only major gymnast left is Marius Urzica ('94 World PH champ).
Top AA performer: Rares Orzata.
Best Two EF Chance: Marius Urzica (PH), Marian Dragulescu (VT).
12. Kazakhstan- With good AA gymnasts, Sergei Fedorchenko ('97 World Vault champ) and Alexei Dimitrienko ('98 World Cup PB champ), Kazakhstan is poised to make a good showing at Worlds this year. I expect good gymnastics from them with the occasional low score.
Top AA performer: Sergei Fedorchenko.
Best Two EF Chance: Sergei Fedorchenko (VT), Alexei Dimitrienko (PB).
Also of note:
Bulgaria- If Jordan Jovtchev competes at Worlds, Bulgaria has a good chance at the top 12. But the only thing is they have little depth after Jordan. Only a few Bulgarians have competed internationally in the last few years.
Australia- Yet another country with former Soviets, Australia will use Andrei Kravtsov as their wild card. Competing for Australia since '95, Kravtsov will be the best of the Aussies no doubt. Other good Austrailians include Pavel Mamine ('98 Commonwealth Rings Champ) and Brennon Dowrick (competitor at EVERY World Championships since 1989!). I expect the Australians to miss a spot in the top 12, but finish not that much below.
Hungary- Hungary will be hard pressed to make it into the top 12. With experienced veterans like '98 World Cup Rings Champ, Szilvester Csollay, and '98 World Cup HB silver medalist, Zoltan Supola. I wonder who the other memebers of the team they will send. And that will determine their place!
Canada- The Canadian Men's National team is looking better than ever. They have new athletes, new skills and a new goal: top 12 in Tianjin. Although I do not think they will make it this year, in a few more years I think they will have the experience and names to make a top 12 finish.
Women's AA
1. Elena Produnova- One of three women in the World with a 10.0 SV vault, Elena has top difficulty and improved execution. I think that she is the front runner for Russian individual gold at these Championships. Her bars combination of Pike Tkachev-Pak salto won't hurt. Neither will her powerful beam (highlighted by a punch double front dismount) or her exuberant tumbling on floor (Arabian double front-punch front, front layout-double front). Her only problem is consistancy right now which has been getting better.
2. Maria Olaru- Maria won the AA bronze medal last year at the Goodwill Games, but has really come on strong in 1999. Although a knee injury sidelined her for a while (and people speculated whether she would actually return or not) she is back with a vengence. She won the Romanian National Title this year and recently beat teammate and rival, Simona Amanar, at a dual meet in Holland. She has solid and clean performances on every event (VT- Double twisting Yurchenko, Phelps. UB- Pike Jaeger, Pak salto. BB- FF-Full, Triple full dismount, FX- Double twisting front-pike front, amazing triple full dismount!).
3. Simona Amanar- With a similar style to Maria, Simona infuses dynamic tumbling with clean combinations to get solid routines that fit the Code of Points. Simona's best event (based on competition results) is vault, where she is the reigning World and Olympic Champion. But she will need to upgrade in order to maintain her status since many gymnasts will be performing vaults out of a 10.0 and Simona's highest is a 9.9 SV. Still Simona has what it takes to win an AA medal (she was 2nd in '97 and t-3rd at the '96 Olympics) and can hit when it counts. Her bar routine is as consistant as ever and her beam includes many difficult combinations. I have to say that her floor is right now her best event based on her tumbling elements (Double layout, whip; 2 1/2 twist-punch pike front, full in).
4. Svetlana Khorkina- The '97 World AA Champion has what it takes to win, but several patches of inconsistancy have plauged this gymnast over the past few years. Svetlana has her own unique style of gymnastics 180 degrees from everyone else. Her vaults have been upgraded to a duo of 9.9 SVs (Double twisting Yurchenko, Khorkina). Her bars have always been out of this worldly and she even hinted that she would have a new set for Worlds. Beam is also an innovative event for Svetlana. She mounts with a full twisting FF and continues into another FF-Layout. She also does a Rulfova and her patented gainer double full off the side. And her floor changes music, choreography and tumbling at almost every meet so I do not know what to expect there.
5. Viktoria Karpenko- Hailed as the most talented and the best gymnast around today, Viktoria Karpenko has had trouble living up to her billing. She is most famous for being injured than actually competing. Although she has had some bright spots (98, 99 Chunichi Cup Champ; 98 American Cup Champ), there have been more clouds than rainbows in this gymnast's career. But her routines are worthy of a medal if she hits. Her vaults are a little weak (Front layout and Phelps both a 9.8 SV) but her bars routine is capable of winning a medal (inverts, Gienger-Pak, full twisting double layout). Her beam set has been inconsistant of late (she fell twice at Ukrainian Nationals on her Arabian) but it too has the potential to hit big when dead on. Floor is also a strong event for Viktoria where she performs a Whip-FF-Arabian double front, a 1 1/2 twist step out; 2 1/2 twist-punch pike front, and a triple full.
6. Vanessa Atler- Vanessa Atler carries the weight of most of the US hopes of an AA medal this year. Although she has traveled all over the world to make a name for herself, she still has limited international experience. With the majority of her meets being domestic, her world-wide recognition is not as developed as some might want, but there is no denying her talent or her full difficulty routines. She is one of few to have a 10.0 SV vault (Layout Rudi) and her Double twisting Yurchenko is among the best in the world. Bars have been her nemisis for the past two years (they caused her to lose the National Championships three years in a row) but if she hits, she should be fine in terms of scoring (it is rumored that she will have a completely new routine for Worlds). Vanessa's Beam and Floor are world-class when she hits and is capable of making finals on both. I expect a few jitters from Vanessa, but an over all good meet!
7. Olga Roushupkina- The recent winner of the 1999 European Youth Olympic Days, Olga is a strong gymnast on bars and beam, but lacks some power on floor and vault. Although she does two 9.9 SV's on vault, both have yet to be competed in any major competition so I don't know how good they are yet. Her uneven bar routine is quite able to bring in top scores and a place in event finals as is her jam-paked beam set. Her floor has a nice 1 1/2 twist step out to a double pike and a clean front double full for a 10.0 SV (as of last year) and again, she can score close to it with a clean performance. I expect typical Ukrainian routines from Olga with crisp and precise skills and combinations.
8. Liu Xuan- The only Chinese team member with previous World Championship experience, Liu provides maturity to a very immature Chinese team. She might not have the most difficult routines, but when she is on, they are some of the most beautiful gymnastics around. Her vaults are a 9.8 SV Yurchenko 1 1/2 and her bar routine if filled with intricate piroette and inverted skills with a sky high Pike Jaeger and text book double layout to finish. Her beam is probably her best event. She has a graceful and fluid style which accentuate her difficult skills. Floor is her 2nd weakest event besides vault, but she still has a 10.0 SV with clever combinations and unparalleled elegance (includes a whip-triple full). I expect a few strong events from Liu, but maybe not 4-for-4. She has had problems with indurance recently which might become a factor here.
9. Kristen Maloney- The current two time defending US National Champ has to be in a spot where she can improve from her previous ranking of 13th in '97. With strong routines on every event, Kristen is one of the US's best athletes. Her vaults are rumored to be a Yurchenko 2 1/2 and a Yurchenko 2/1 (10.0 and 9.9 SVs but only the 2/1 has been competed). She has upgraded and changed her uneven bar routine now so that it includes three toe-on elements and a full twisting double layout. Her beam is arguably her best event (she won 98 Goodwill Games gold) and she is able to win a medal on it if she is her absolute cleanest. And on floor Kristen was the first American to do a full twisting double layout. She also has a whip-double pike and a triple full to close. I expect four solid sets from Kristen with only minor breaks on each if even any.
10. Elena Zamoldochikova- Elena was the first women to perform a 10.0 SV vault in this Code and has since proven herself as a talented AA competitor. Her floor and her vault are more than able to bring in medals and her bars and beam aren't shabby either. The only thing is that form errors might bring Elena's scores down some. Her vaults are a lightning quick Yurchenko 2/1 and a Tsukahara 2/1 (9.9, 10.0 SV). And her bars include a Gurova mount (RO to board-full twisting Yurchenko to catch), a Tkachev and a tuck double double. Her beam is highlighted by a RO-FF-Full in. No one can out-tumble Elena (except maybe Produnova). She has competed a tuck double double, front full through to full in, front full through to triple full and a whip-2 1/2-front tuck all in the past two years. Who knows what she will debut next?!?! Expect crisp and dynamic routines highlighted by her powerful tumbling and quick air sense.
Men's AA
1. Ivan Ivankov- I expect great things from him this year. He is still one of the best in the world. He is very strong on pommels, rings, p-bars and high bar. His floor and vault are not bad either, but only a 9.8 SV vault might bring his score down a little when most of the top gymnasts have 10.0 SV's. I think Ivan has the best chance to win here because of his near perfect form and technique and his steely nerve. With consistant routines on every event, Ivan can hit 6 for 6 any time he wants. But recently, he has had to rest his bad ankle/Achillies which he tore in 1996.
2. Alexei Bondarenko- With flashy routines and good combinations, Alexei (the '98 European Champ) Bondarenko is the perfect choice for an AA medal. But inconsistancy and a deteriorating training atmosphere have had a profound affect on Alexei. He will lead his whole team while at the same time, try to achieve individual glory (no other post USSR break up Russian has won AA at Worlds). His best event is probably parallel bars, but his vaulting and high bar are certainly able to bring in an individual medal. He is good on all 6 events (IMH, better than Ivankov) but inconsistancy and loose form will probably keep him out of the top spot unless Ivankov crumbles.
3. Alexander Beresch- Beresch symbolizes Ukrainian technique and execution on every event. He won the bronze medal on high bar in '97 and was the highest finisher on vault during the AA. His rings, pommels and p-bars aren't bad either. I expect crisp and clean performances from Beresch with good difficulty.
4. Blaine Wilson
5. Huang Xu
6. Dimitri Karbonenko
7. Eric Lopez
8. Roman Zozulia
9. Sergei Kharkov
10. Yang Wei
Women's Event Finals
Vault
1. Elena Zamolodchikova
2. Vanessa Atler
3. Maria Olaru
Uneven Bars
1. Svetlana Khorkina
2. Ling Jie
3. Elise Ray
Beam
1. Ling Jie
2. Ekaterina Lobaznyuk
3. Elena Produnova
Floor
1. Simona Amanar
2. Elena Produnova
3. Vanessa Atler / Andreea Raducan
Men's Event Finals
Floor
1. Alexei Nemov
2. Li Xiaopeng
3. Alexei Bondarenko
Pommel Horse
1. Valery Belenki
2. Nikolay Kruykov
3. Zhang Jinjing
Rings
1. Szilvester Csollany
2. Ivan Ivankov
3. Alexei Bondarenko
Vault
1. Alexei Bondarenko
2. Sergei Fedorchenko
3. Lu Yufu
Parallel Bars
1. Zhang Jinjing
2. Li Xiaopeng
3. Ivan Ivankov
High Bar
1. Alexander Beresch
2. Ivan Ivankov
3. Sergei Fedorchenko
