Videos of Mattie Larson and Samantha Shapiro from February

It’s exciting to see things finally starting to take shape again in women’s gymnastics after a bit of a crazy 2009. We had numerous gymnasts injured, numerous gymnasts in between retiring and making “comebacks,” a bit of a weak national championships and world championships as a result of the age rule, and some strange new rules to deal with. We already looked at some footage of Chelsea Davis back in competition. Perhaps I missed the buzz on this since I was in Cambodia for most of February, but I finally came across these videos of the much anticipated returns of Mattie Larson and Samantha Shapiro. Both competed on bars and beam at the recent All Olympia Elite Qualifier.

I think both look fantastic and should be strong contenders for the world team this year:

Videos of Mattie Larson and Samantha Shapiro!

MAR2

Written by: Andy Thornton
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 6:22 PM

Videos of Mattie Larson and Samantha Shapiro from February

It’s exciting to see things finally starting to take shape again in women’s gymnastics after a bit of a crazy 2009.  We had numerous gymnasts injured, numerous gymnasts in between retiring and making “comebacks,” a bit of a weak national championships and world championships as a result of the age rule, and some strange new rules to deal with.  We already looked at some footage of Chelsea Davis back in competition.  Perhaps I missed the buzz on this since I was in Cambodia for most of February, but I finally came across these videos of the much anticipated returns of Mattie Larson and Samantha Shapiro.  Both competed on bars and beam at the recent All Olympia Elite Qualifier.

I think both look fantastic and should be strong contenders for the world team this year:

Mattie Larson Bars 2010 All Olympia

Mattie Larson Beam 2010 All Olympia

Samantha Shapiro Bars 2010 All Olympia

Samantha Shapiro Beam 2010 All Olympia

Mattie’s bars has improved.  She hit a great handstand on that endo pirouette at the beginning, which she struggled with last year, and the dismount is way better than her old one.  Her beam looked great here as well.  Shapiro looks like she’s gotten stronger.  I think she’s capable of a more difficult bar routine, so hopefully she’ll upgrade some throughout this year.  The dismount was short, but that’s probably because she hasn’t done dismounts for long due to her ankle.  She’s still got that beautiful razor sharp toe-point that the world judges are going to love.

Exciting to see both of them back and looking as strong as ever!