Being Martha

It's about that time of year again, the time of year where we all like to put on our predicting hats and guess who Martha Karolyi will give a golden ticket to Worlds! Granted we haven't seen everyone out this season, and even fewer of those who compete all-around, have. But that's all part of the fun, right?

Here is the objective:
Tokyo, October 7th 2011
Six gymnasts required (NB for the olympics it will only be Five!)
Five compete on each apparatus in qualifying, Top four scores count.
The goal- Top 8 finish (ideally much higher) --> Olympic Qualification.


Anyway, if I was picking my world team, this is what it would look like...
(I got a bit carried away with this and had a bash at USA, GB, Russia, Romania and China.

Jordyn Wieber	VT	UB	BB	FX
Rebecca Bross	(VT)	UB	BB	(FX)
Chellsie Memmel	(VT)	(UB)		(FX)
Aly Raisman	VT	(UB)	(BB)	FX
Alicia Sacramone	VT		BB	FX
Another Bar Worker		UB	(BB)

 I haven't yet stuck my neck out and named the last member of the team, that's up to who puts out the best consistent bar routines at Nationals. My smart bet would be Mackenzie Caquatto as she already has worlds experience and is also a decent all-arounder, but it also might be an opportunity for a new face like Gabrielle Douglas or Sabrina Vega. 

The events in bold are my picks for the team final, where Team USA want to take advantage of Russian injuries and wrap up their normal pre-olympic team title. The good thing about this team is that it allows for the injury status of Rebecca Bross, If she is fit she could compete all-around but equally she would be a valuable asset on bars and beam only, with Aly Raisman or Chellsie Memmel both potentials for all-around competition.

Next year, as many have said, with one less person on the team Martha will likely have to choose between Aly Raisman's all around potential or Sacramone's shot at an olympic vault gold. Unless Aly's bars steps up several knotches there just isn't room for all of them.

I'll add to this post later with my picks for other teams.
What do you think Martha?