0.273

[Spacecadet]

The difference between success and failure
BBC - Ollie Williams: No tomorrow for rhythmic gymnasts

[AtW]

Good, maybe they'll live longer - gymnastics is nice show but horrific injuries (paralised kids) are the price paid in Russia, Romania, China and other countries that push hard without regard to child's safety. Even those of them who win feel real bad when they are 35+ - stressing body like this incurs a very heavy long term price, and if they don't win on one Olympics they'll be too old for next one.

[d000hg]

The difference between success and failure
BBC - Ollie Williams: No tomorrow for rhythmic gymnasts

Were they competing against other squads to represent GB, or competing to show a minimum standard for GB to have a squad?

[Spacecadet]

Were they competing against other squads to represent GB, or competing to show a minimum standard for GB to have a squad?

the latter

[SimonMac]

0.273

(Buzz) What is Pacharan's IQ?

[d000hg]

How do those African countries get swimmers competing who have never swum the distance they compete in, etc?

[Paddy]

Good, maybe they'll live longer - gymnastics is nice show but horrific injuries (paralised kids) are the price paid in Russia, Romania, China and other countries that push hard without regard to child's safety. Even those of them who win feel real bad when they are 35+ - stressing body like this incurs a very heavy long term price, and if they don't win on one Olympics they'll be too old for next one.

Like Olga Korbut, she became an instructor but was renowned for being a really pushy bitch.

She has her own website now...

Olympic Gymnast Olga Korbut - Official Website

[Spacecadet]

How do those African countries get swimmers competing who have never swum the distance they compete in, etc?

AFAIK countries can select and put forward who ever they like
It was the British Olymic Assosiation which decided that these girls weren't good enough to compete for Britain which means there will be no British entry for that event

[BrilloPad]

"Instead, the gymnasts are victims of the BOA's promise that every British athlete stepping into an Olympic arena this summer will be delivering both a competitive performance and a lasting legacy for their sport.

Sadly for the rhythmic gymnasts, they are left with neither. This remains a sport with no money, few prospects and plenty to cry about. That Britain's Olympic ideals have been upheld will be of scant consolation now."

I thought the British Olympic ideals were to make as much money as possible?

[AtW]

Like Olga Korbut, she became an instructor but was renowned for being a really pushy bitch.

For each successful Korbut there were dozens if not hundreds of very badly injuried young girls who were pushed too far in the interest of Soviet state. Think about 14-15 year old girl being paralised for life - that's gymnastics.