To get my mind off Moceanu, I read this article about Sam P.
“I was only 15 when I got to go (to worlds), and we won as a team, so that was a great experience for me,” Peszek said. “I got to see what that level is all about and what it takes to compete against all those great countries and great gymnasts. And to win was just amazing, to see how hard we worked and how we reached our goal through all that hard work.
“That helps when you go back to start training for another important championship. I know it helped me in my confidence.”
In 2007, when she started her senior international elite career, Sam P. was rather known for being a splatter. Apparently Martha K.’s confidence in her (also known as, uh, favoritism) and A-Sac’s friendship did wonders for Sam’s confidence, which in turn helped her consistency. Something like that, I guess. Whatever floats her boat.
But I think with the burgeoning of the Olympic spirit, I’m pretty cool with Sam being on the team. Heck, I’m even hoping Shawn wins big.
I think with the right kind of support a lot more could have been gotten out of Jana. She could have been at the Memmel level (helpful part of the team, threating top two on AA a tad). She had the mega skills and even some originality. I think she somehow doesn’t fit in with the other girls and neither does her mom…and her training has not been optimal because of this.
Of course a lot of it comes down to Jana and perhaps her shyness. Still the right type of morale esperienced could have gotten a hell of a gymnast. Certainly more than Sam or Bridge…who are just kinda bla prelim filler girls.
Not trying to derail from Sam…just making a general point on how development, favoritism, friendship, coach relation etc. can impact development. IOW, I agree with the point wrt Sam and generalize.