Better than most, that’s for sure.
Defending champion Russia spent almost as much time on the ground Tuesday as it did on the equipment. China was dazzling on balance beam and uneven bars, not so much on floor exercise and vault. And the Japanese, who hope to push for a medal after finishing fifth last year? It wasn’t their best day, but they didn’t take themselves out of the running, either.
Prelims begin Friday, and the U.S. women compete Saturday.
“I think this is one of our best podium training for many years, especially since we have a very young group,’’ said Liang Chow, Gabby Douglas’ coach. “I did not expect anything. But I feel we have a very strong team. This is a very strong group, and I think we can make some damage here.’’
Podium training is the only chance gymnasts have to work on the competition floor before the event begins, and it’s more than just a fancy term for practice session. The equipment is springier because it’s 3 feet off the floor, the arena is bigger than those cramped training halls and the lights are, of course, brighter.
As if that’s not daunting enough, the judges are watching every move and handicapping the field.
“When you think about it like that, it’s a lot of pressure. But you can’t. You can’t do that,’’ American McKayla Maroney said. “You’ve just got to go do your routines because that’s what you’re here for and that’s what you’ve trained your whole life for. It really shouldn’t be any pressure because that’s why you’re here. You’re here to compete.’’
That’s easy to say and much harder to do. Especially for a team as green as the U.S., which hasn’t established a reputation with the judges yet.
