So the first competitors have qualified for the Nastia Liukin Cup. This competition, which takes place the evening before the American Cup, is an opportunity "to help young women recognize their dreams and achievements..."
You know--young girls like former elite Kayla Williams, 2009-10 National Team member and World vault champion, as well as University of Alabama recruit. This competition will give this young lady the chance to be seen by the five gymnastics fans who have not yet had that opportunity. Won't that be remarkable for her?
According the the press release from Lexie Priessman's 2010 win, "The Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup and the accompanying Nastia Liukin Cup Series provide a unique competitive opportunity for the country’s rising female gymnasts."
Maybe this will be Kayla's big year.
I feel like I need to say here--I'm not blaming Kayla. Why would she not jump at an opportunity to compete when she's been out for so long, and in a field she will most likely dominate? I do think this is pretty tacky, all the way around, though. I feel like the entire purpose of the meet is being lost here, and that frankly, Kayla should withdraw her name. I know that's a strong opinion, but hey--I run a free blog. I can say what I want.
Basically, gymnasts of her pedigree should not be eligible if the mission statement of the NL Cup is, indeed, to give opportunities to up-and-comers. If they're going to allow former World champions, then they need to rethink their mission statement.
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I agree with you entirely and I would also bar anyone who has been an elite. Wasn't this supposed to be a level 10 comp?
ReplyDelete100% agree with you FIFO. I swear I remember the whole thing being about up and coming girls who have never gotten the chance to compete on a podium before. So last year, when they had girls who had already competed at Jr. Nats, I was a little suspicious. And now I guess they're opening it up to world champs too. I blame MLT for this.
ReplyDeleteSomeone said something on IGF that made me laugh. That happens about once every six months, so I was impressed. They made a comment about how maybe the NL Cup will be Nastia's comeback debut and she'll win it.
ReplyDeleteWhile we're at it, I can't believe Mustafina hasn't been invited. She's the current World Champion, and she'll be in town, anyway. Let's let her have a go at the level 10s, too.