![]() ![]() The D score is the total marks calculated by judges from the value given to each move performed by the gymnast via a Code of Points, which is renewed every Olympic cycle. ![]() Whitlock’s E score in the pommel performance above was 8.5. This starts at 10 and marks are removed by judges for loss of form such as toes not being pointed or a fall from the apparatus. Both marks are shown to viewers, so for fans of the old-school perfect 10 scoring system, check out the E score. Scores on all apparatus are made up of an execution score (the E score) and the difficulty score (the D score). Tokyo 2020 asked current Olympic pommel horse champion, Max Whitlock, during an interview with the 28-year-old last month, when he was announced as part of the four-man British team heading to Japan for Tokyo 2020, taking place in 2021 (see below). How does it feel when you get pommel horse right? Sometimes you’ll notice a slight wobble, with feet coming apart briefly before snapping back together, so keep a keen eye on them at this point, as this is when a waver might turn tidal. Taller gymnasts look more elegant as long as they can keep their legs straight – unless in flares – and together, with toes pointed. This is when gymnasts fatigue most but the job’s not done until the dismount is landed. Don’t make the same mistake many pommel horse workers do, and relax as they near the end. Hands and feet cannot touch the apparatus so technique and focus is as important as arm strength. Lee Chih-Kai artistic gymnast from Chinese Taipai (2019 Getty Images) Rhys McClenaghan of Ireland showcases pommel horse work (2019 Getty Images)Įndurance is also key as the body circles the horse, almost like break dancing but 115cm off the floor, in a rhythmic circular motion. Think about the routine too much and you’re toast. The pace of the routine changes throughout but the metronomic tempo honed by years and years of practise comes down to muscle memory on the day. Gymnasts then need to get quickly into a rhythm of both single leg work (called flairs, see photo below) and double leg work (the second photo). Pommels is a shoulder and technique-based event with the rhythmic motion originating from the starting point – the mount. Talk about mental agility, let alone physical, in switching from a routine full of powerful tumbling and disorientating twists, followed an hour later by the calm methodical tick-tock-tick-tock rhythm of the pommel horse. High bar is more a splat fest when it goes wrong rather than an unbalanced moment on pommels.Īn example of a wonderful pommel exercise is Britain’s Max Whitlock’s gold-medal winning routine from Rio 2016 (see below), just moments after he’d also won the floor title. One of six pieces of apparatus for the men, it is the one most equivalent to women’s beam in terms of nail-biting are they-going-to-get-through-it potential. It makes your arms hurt just watching the gymnasts on pommel horse. ![]()
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