NCAA Womens' Gymnast Most Likely to Make Run for 2020

[Rob]

Given the wobbly performances at Worlds, who is the most likely to take a break from NCAA and make a run at Tokyo? You can write others into your posts.

 

[Erin]

I'll be surprised if any of them do, although I'd love to see it be either Nichols or maybe Key. I feel like Nichols is too injury-prone though - two major injuries as an elite and then having to have surgery this summer after a year of NCAA, it just doesn't seem promising. A lot of them have the same story of a body that hasn't held up that well. Skinner is the one whose body has held up, but I wouldn't be surprised that, much like this year's Worlds, she may not want to put herself through the process again just to have herself be denied.

 

[Spareoom]

Skinner, as a specialist. There are two spots on the Tokyo team that are going to gymnasts who don't really fit the team puzzle but have medal prospects, and Skinner fits that description to a T. Do a couple World cups every year, don't bother with Worlds, go to Tokyo.

 

[OnyxRose81]

Yeah, if anyone could do it, it would be Skinner. She was never really injured as an elite as well so she's durable. I wonder if she regrets not going for it this year, seeing what ended up winning the Vault gold.

The rest of the group, not a chance. They are all injury-prone.

 

[FSfan107]

I have doubts any of them will try, but Madison Kocian would be the most likely IMO (as a specialist). She hasn't really ruled out returning after UCLA. I would say Skinner too, but I have the feeling she really doesn't want to return now. Most gymnasts deal with injuries. I always hear about Madison's injuries and while yes, she has had a lot, she only missed one of the major competitions (2013 Worlds) due to injury in the 2013-2016 years.

 

[Fridge_Break]

Like others, I'd be surprised if any of them really give it a shot, however if one was to it'd probably be Skinner. However after watching this year, I have to wonder if she'd be of any consideration with Jade Carey emerging with high difficulty and much better form and dynamics.

If anything, we might (although the chances are probably low) see an NCAA gymnast who wasn't big-time as an elite before college, but flourished while at school. Thinking along the lines of Anna Li.

 

[bardtoob]

Edit

 

[butyrskafanatic]

I think it is Kocian. There will always be a place for her on the team as a bars worker IMO, or if not the main team 1 of those 2 non team member specialist spots.

I would like to think Nichols but probably not, she is amazing in NCAA but in elite U.S gymnastics she would be just like 2016, the square peg that doesnt fit. People forget she barely made the 2015 team even with her 2nd at Nationals. Her assets just arent usable/needable on a team.