Some completely out-of-left-field predictions for the future of elite gymnastics

I've been thinking.


Crap.


I have a few predictions, some based on careful observation, some blinding flashes of the obvious, and others coming so far out of left field you'll wonder if we're watching the same athletes. That's my disclaimer.


1.) There is a very good chance that we will see a major Russian resurgence in London 2012.

With the current crop of juniors coming up in Russia (Aliya Mustafina, Viktoria Komova, Tatiana Nebieva, if she doesn't kill herself supposedly attempting triple twisting yurchenkos), it's not hard to imagine the former powerhouse as a real contender for Gold in London. I'm not saying the U.S. doesn't have an incredible group of youngens coming up, too - we absolutely do. But ours seem to keep getting hurt, and even our new seniors, who will certainly be in the mix for London, are injured. Shapiro, Jordyn Wieber, Kamerin Moore...we need them all, and we need them healthy to keep up. I think the Russians are going to be in it to win it, once again.

2.) Speaking of Kamerin Moore...

I predict a stunning comeback of epic proportions. It may be wishful thinking, because I like her so much, but regardless, bite me. I adore this kid. I think she'll fall further off the radar than she already is as she focuses on her body and on healing her shoulder, and that'll be a good thing. And then just when it seems she's down and out, she'll come back with a vengeance, kicking ass and taking names.

3.) We will never see Nastia Liukin's new floor routine.

Pretty simple. I don't think it's going to happen. Nor will we ever see her upgrade her vault to a DTY. I'm not giving up on her as a gymnast - I genuinely do think she'll come back in some capacity, but I think she's finished competing AA. She'll do wonders for the U.S. as a bars and beam specialist, and really, I don't need more than that from her. I love her as a specialist - she's already won the Big One. Maybe she still has dreams of that elusive World AA title, but I think she'll opt to be more practical. I'm not saying Nastia CAN'T - I'm predicting that Nastia WON'T.

4.) In the next 20 years, Australia will emerge as a powerhouse.

You heard me. I think they'll pull a "U.S in the early nineties" (I am SO not counting Mary Lou's gold in 84' as the U.S.' coming out party). I think the interest and enthusiasm for their program has finally begun to reach a point where they can start to emerge as a real power, and I think they will within four - five quads. Mark my words.



That's all I got for now. Feel free to shower me with adoration, or politely disagree with me. Or impolitely - whatever. I can take it.