Which country do you think has the best chance of turning the big four into the big five?
I took a screenshot of the poll and these are the results as of 2:02 today.
As you can see, the canidates are Italy with 7 votes, France withU 0 (Poor France), Spain with 3, Belgium with 0, Brazil with 0, Canada with 9, Australia with 0, Great Britain with 20, Japan with 0, Netherlands with 0, and Germany with 1. As I have some extra time in 5 period, and lunch afterwards, allow me to evaluate each of these teams.
Italy- Honestly, I am surprised that Italy got this many votes. I do think that Italy is capable of being in every team finals at International Competitions, and are capable of getting gymnasts in every event final, but I don't think that Italy is capable of being the country that turns the Big Four into the Big Five. Not yet anyway.
France- I was astounded that France is on the list........... They are great, artistic gymnasts, but they haven't had a winning competition for as long as I can remember. Although looking at French competitions, they do have a promising batch of juniors, as well as some great seniors. But right now, with their low difficulty, I just dont see how they can compete with the Big Four.
Spain- Honestly, I don't know why Spain is on here. They haven't sent a full team to the Worlds/Olympics in ages. Although some of their athletes are promising, such as Roxana Popa Nedelcu who qualified into the 2nd seated group at the Antwerp Worlds back in 2013 and did quite well. But like I said, they haven't sent a full team in ages, and I dont think they can before Rio, or even Tokyo.
Canada- I can actually see Canada becoming a threat for turning the top four into the top five, they have girls who can contribute to all four events. They even have a few all-around athletes, such as Victoria Moors, and a few specialists. Canada's Victoria Moors brought pride to Canada at the 2013 Worlds when she got the double twisting double layout named after her. If Victoria retires before Rio, I think that Canada would have to work pretty hard to stay the way they are. After all, Victoria Moors was a detromental part of getting Canada into the team finals back in 2012, and having Canada place 5th over all.
Australia- Australia does have a few promising athletes, but with Lauren Mitchell retired, it will be difficult for Australia to be considered a significant threat come the time for the Big Four into the Big Five. But, it could happen.
Great Britain- Great Britain. As you see on the photo, 20 people think that GB is the team to beat. And I have to agree. Great Britain placed in the second seated group at the Nanning Worlds back in October! WOW! Great Britain is the team to beat. Great Britain is a dynamic team, and I think with all the gymnasts they have right now, and all the gymnasts who will turn senior before the Olympics, they will be a HUGE HUGE HUGE threat.
Japan- Japan has some great athletes coming into this, such as Koko Tsurumi, and my personal favorite Japanese athlete, Natsumi Sasada
Netherlands- I've only seen one athlete come out from Netherlands on the Worlds- Stage, and she blew her knee out in 2013 in the vault finals. I've only ever seen one gymnast from the Netherlrands, I doubt they will send a team in full.
Germany- Some promising athletes from Germany. Such as Elizabeth Seitz. I would love to see them in Team Finals at a Worlds/Olympics, but I don't think they can transform the top four into the top Five.
After breaking down the teams, I think that GB has the best shot. Their program has improved so much, and they are getting tons of amazing new gymnasts every year. This is a great team, and I think that they could make amazing strides come Rio, and will be considered part of the soon to be 'Big Five"
Thanks to http://wagymnastics.wikia.com/wiki/Gymnastics_Wiki for the poll
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