American Cup 2008

I had a chance to fly out to NY for American Cup a few weeks ago at Madison Square Garden in New York. It was a blast and the competition was fun, though pretty lopsided. The American women look absolutely unstoppable - head and shoulders above the rest of the competitors. Nastia's bar routine stuck out in particular.

On the mens' side, I was bummed to see Fabian Hambuchen have to sit out, but I understand his decision as this is an Olympic year. Also, Mizotori had a pretty rough meet and he could have pushed Paul Hamm a lot harder on a better day. Paul looked awesome though, I have to hand it to him - a very well deserved victory for him. Did anyone watch it on TV or go live? What did you think?

I'm getting sick of seeing the American Cup becoming the Team USA show.  It seems the other world powerhouses of gymnastics aren't sending their top delegates with small exceptions like Fabian.  I would like to see Romainia send guys like Dragelescu, Japan should be sending their top guys, Brazil, etc.  If they are going to call the American Cup the "most prestigious international competition on American soil" let's make it a competiton.

So true. I was very disappointed with the level of the other teams at this years. It almost seems like other countries don't respect the meet because an American more or less "has" to win. Send your best guys so that it can get back to the level it was over a decade ago.

So true. I was very disappointed with the level of the other teams at this years. It almost seems like other countries don't respect the meet because an American more or less "has" to win. Send your best guys so that it can get back to the level it was over a decade ago.

Good point I would really like to see the Chinese send there best, they save em' all until the "big events." ... Well I thought the American Cup was suppose to be a big event, nope. It's not a "wow you won the American Cup" (unless you are from America.) Other countries don't envy the medal they hand out there...