Gymnastic Reversal: China Wins, America Wilts

Gymnastics appears intricate. Deductions, difficulty, dismounts, skills, sprinting, tenths, tumbling, and twists… The exercise seems complicated and convoluted. Truthfully, gymnastics’ core is easily explained. Massive scope. Minute precision.

On Tuesday, China garnered gold. The United States scored silver. Romania bagged bronze. During their performance, China’s metamorphosis was spectacular. Initially, they were anxious, apprehensive children. Ultimately, they were enthusiastic, excited champions.

With two rotations remaining, China almost crumbled. Cheng Fei fell from the balance beam. She jeopardized victory. Unfortunately, America also imploded. From the balance beam, Alicia Sacramone slipped. On the floor exercise, Nastia Liukin and Sacramone stepped out of bounds.

Immediately, compassion and criticism were evident. China’s competitors are underage. They were illegitimate. Sacramone is a teenager. Instead of scorn, she merits sympathy. Reality is reality. The apologists should shut up. China may have won. However, the United States also choked.