Do they announce the alternates?

[Mrs. Puma]

Puma Jr asked me a very good question...do they announce the alternates at the end of the Trials? The Made in America video showed them announcing the 2012 team at the Trials and they walked out to the cheers of the crowd...I can't believe we're going to be there!! My guess was they perhaps named the alternates but they did not actually walk out? I can only imagine it being very emotional. Like we've talked about on another post...what a strange spot alternate must be.

 

[sce]

In 2012 they did name them at trials. No idea if they will this year

 

[txgymfan]

I liked how the men did it this year with the alternates asked a few hours later and announced the next day. I've never seen it done like that before but it left the emphasis on the team and gave the alternates time to process it before dealing with the media.

 

[duyetanh]

I liked how the men did it this year with the alternates asked a few hours later and announced the next day. I've never seen it done like that before but it left the emphasis on the team and gave the alternates time to process it before dealing with the media.

That is awesome and I would love it if they did it this way!

 

[txgymfan]

I wanted to know at the time they announced the team. Afterward, I read how it was done and think it was so respectful to all of the athletes.

 

[wandrewsjr]

I wanted to know at the time they announced the team. Afterward, I read how it was done and think it was so respectful to all of the athletes.

Agree...they are essentially asking these athletes, who have just been told they didn't make the cut, to train for the next 2 months as if they are going to the olympics, even though the chance they will go is very slim. Makes sense they should give them a minute to think about it.

 

[sce]

Agree...they are essentially asking these athletes, who have just been told they didn't make the cut, to train for the next 2 months as if they are going to the olympics, even though the chance they will go is very slim. Makes sense they should give them a minute to think about it.

And to still travel to Brazil but not get any part in the games.

 

[wandrewsjr]

It is an interesting question...would an athlete ever say "no thank you" to an alternate spot? For an athlete like Donnell Whittenberg, who is going to continue training at the elite level regardless, seems like a no brainer. But what about an athlete like Amelia Hundley? I can see a scenario where she could be chosen as an alternate, though likely the 3rd alternate in line. What would you do...say no thank you and join your college teammates in their summer training or continue training elite for the teeniest tiniest chance that you could be called on as the 3rd alternate?

 

[txgymfan]

There is a rumor that Alicia Sacremone turned down the alternate spot for London.

 

[Mrs. Puma]

I liked how the men did it this year with the alternates asked a few hours later and announced the next day. I've never seen it done like that before but it left the emphasis on the team and gave the alternates time to process it before dealing with the media.

Wow! I never even thought of this option. Yes, this is the perfect solution. I hope they do that. I admit, it will kill me to wait, but it really is fair and respectful to those athletes. Thanks everyone!

 

[Mrs. Puma]

It is an interesting question...would an athlete ever say "no thank you" to an alternate spot? For an athlete like Donnell Whittenberg, who is going to continue training at the elite level regardless, seems like a no brainer. But what about an athlete like Amelia Hundley? I can see a scenario where she could be chosen as an alternate, though likely the 3rd alternate in line. What would you do...say no thank you and join your college teammates in their summer training or continue training elite for the teeniest tiniest chance that you could be called on as the 3rd alternate?

My gut reaction is "how can you turn down ANY shot at the Olympics?!" But, you're right- I would totally get how an athlete who's elite career is over would think twice about such an emotional commitment. You did answer my other question though, it is three alternates. I was pretty sure about that. Thanks!

 

[notthatmom]

Do the alternates have a specific order....like first alternate, 2nd etc. or do they just call up who they want if a team member is injured?

 

[skschlag]

I know for the men, they call up the one that fills the holes left by the injured athlete. So if the pommel guy is down, they are not going to bring in a hb specialist. So I think they can bring up the needed alternate.

 

[notthatmom]

I know for the men, they call up the one that fills the holes left by the injured athlete. So if the pommel guy is down, they are not going to bring in a hb specialist. So I think they can bring up the needed alternate.

Oh that makes sense! I always forget there are "specialists", that's much more fair than having ranked alternates and just bringing up the next person in line.

I'm wondering too though, that if there are only 3 alternates, but 4 events, that they purposely choose good all-around gymnasts as alternates?

Idk, perhaps I'm over thinking things.

 

[Mrs. Puma]

Do the alternates have a specific order....like first alternate, 2nd etc. or do they just call up who they want if a team member is injured?

^^^^ this was my next question

 

[Jodi Warner]

I believe that call up whoever fits the hole. For example, let's just say that if a member of the team gets injured and they are being used as a bars specialist, my guess is they would call up the alternate that would score the highest on this specific event. If it's an all around gymnast, they would need to take the one who could compete on all four events.