watching gymnasts is just so viscerally awe inspiring on what the human body can be pushed to do. Like, there's no sport where it's more obvious how incredibly athletic the participants are.
Also, for someone who doesn't understand the finer points of the rules, when I have a rooting interest (USA or Michigan) it's incredibly stressful. I feel like I'm watching a football game, never know when my team gets a first down or a touchdown, but can only tell when we throw a pick (our gymnast falls).
Also, for someone who doesn't understand the finer points of the rules, when I have a rooting interest (USA or Michigan) it's incredibly stressful.
YMMV, but I just have a hard time getting into the subjectively graded sports (gymnastics, ice skating, diving, etc.). Doesn't help that there have been so many judging scandals that it feels like you have a 50% chance of getting cheated...
Agreed. But, Tonya Harding got me right back in.
Whether or not you enjoy judged sports, this entire closing sequence to win the 2021 championship has to give you chills. Michigan leads all night, but Oklahoma takes the lead on the penultimate routine, Michigan needs a massive performance on the final routine of the night on beam, and waiting in anticipation for the final team score to be calculated.
Spoiler - Michigan wins :P
My heart was pounding watching this live. The fact they had to win it on beam makes it even more remarkable.
I love this from BiSB!
I understand what you're saying about judging scandals but...
The Game 2016
Have you not watched games and the announcers have said that the refs have swallowed the whistles?
Or in hockey, when one team gets like 3 PP in a row and the announcers say that the other team is going to get the next call.
yea that's my thought too - PI, holding, spotting the ball, block/charge, "traveling," balls and strikes - all "judgment calls." Very impactful on the game. We generally agree that they're not the only thing that matters - and my understanding of gym and other judged sports is that likewise, everyone knows what moves and stunts are harder and when someone pulls it off.
March 22nd, 2024 at 12:12 PM ^
And in addition to "judgment calls" there are also calls in those head to head sports that are simply objectively wrong and that affect the game. See the "foul" called on the Samford block last night, which gave me PTSD to the foul called on Burke against Louisville.
Feels like a win! I've always loved watching gymnastics in the Olympics, and seeing a rise in popularity from the UM team makes for a great way to follow the sport beyond just a check in every four years.