G's Gym Blog : November 2015

*I finally got this back up and I'm so happy that it's fixed. It took me two weeks and probably 10 hours to put this together so I was not going to give up! No siree! Anyway, enjoy!*

Hurray! It's finally here! This time, I have been joined by 6 other gym fans to rate and give feedback on 34 leotards that were seen in Glasgow. On the panel is:

G (me): I was a casual gymnastics fan in 2008 with pictures of Shawn Johnson tacked to my bedroom wall. It wasn't until 2012 when I became a serious lover of the sport and I've been following ever since, as well as catching up on my history. I never was a gymnast (blasted scoliosis and overprotective Dad!) but if I had been, you can bet I would have been on the podium in London.

Evangeline: Hi I'm Evangeline, I've always loved the sport and I did it for a couple years until I was lame and quit. Even though I didn't continue with my gymnastics career, I still enjoy following the sport. Also, G is my sister so there is that.

Corinne: My name is Corinna R. I've been a gymnastics fan since 2012 (I'm fifteen now, so I couldn't really have been a fan much before that) and I am also a level eight trampoline and tumbling gymnast. I don't have a blog, but I do have an Instagram account where I post gymnastics edits: http://instagram.com/chalkyangels

Gym Truth Teller (GTT): Check out her awesome blog here. She also decided to be a rebel and rate the leotards out of five instead of ten, but fear not! The scores are weighted evenly.

Meredith (cupquaked): I’m a college student studying music (graduating in December!!!) and avid gymnastics fan. I’m a former gymnast who decided that violin was a less dangerous and demanding extra curricular. Some of my favorite gymnasts include Svetlana Boginskaya, Andreea Raducan, Catalina Ponor, Aliya Mustafina, Simone Biles (duh), Cheng fei, and Vera Caslavska.

AC): I'm practically a baby when it comes to being a gymnastics fan. I watched the 2011 world championships and have been faithful ever since. I would like to have my own blog, but between classes and my training schedule it's not quite doable yet. Very exited to contribute to this panel!

Katie: I've been a gym fan since I watched the Mag 7 win gold but I only started following the sport more seriously (ie-with an interest in learning about skills, the athletes, competitions other than the Olympics) right before the Sydney games.

Let's get to it! These will be (mostly) in order of appearance, winner and loser will be revealed at the end. FYI, I have no idea why the font is so weird, it looks completely normal in the draft but got strange when I published. My apologies!

USA Qalification

G: I had really mixed feelings on this one, first I hated it then I sort of thought it was ok and now I basically just think it belongs on an 8 year old. Score: 6.1

Evangeline: Personally, I'm not a fan of pink and purple together and I do think that America should work with their colors for international comps but I think this one looked alright on them so I'll give it a 6.0.

Corinne: Okay, I just hate this. While I'm glad they didn't wear pink/purple for team finals OR all around, this is just horrible. The colors don't work well together and the design is just alright. 2.5

GTT: Not a big fan of this leo. I don't mind the style but the colors remind me of something a 3 year old might wear to their first gymnastics class. It really didn't belong at a World Championships. 1.5

Meredith: Ugh. I’m not a fan of pink + purple. They aren’t apart of the same undertone family and it makes my eyes hurt. However, the design is nice and simple which I do like. Maybe if the sleeves/upper chest were a grey or silver I could really like this leo. 4.5

AC: This one has sort of grown on me. I'm not a huge fan of pink but I'm okay with this shade. The purple and pink though just seem, very.... 10 year-oldish. Especially for the mature American team. 5.9

Katie: Thanks, Aly. There is NO WAY this leo should have seen the light of day, much less at a World Championships. I wasn’t completely sold on the design to begin with, but the colors absolutely ruin it for me. Verdict: this leo should only be made to fit little girls ages 6 and under.3.5 (6 for design, 1 for color- 3.5 average)

Score Average: 4.5

Romania Qualification

G: I really like that the base color is a nice blue and I think it fits really well. The design is a bit on the boring side though...I'll give it a clean 7.5.

Evangeline: Ooooh, I like this one. I think using blue as the base color looks really nice and classic and the design is really unique. It's an 8.0 for me.

Corinne: This is a classic Romania leo. Nothing exciting, but nothing really to dislike, either. As a plus, blue does look good on almost everyone. 6.5

GTT: I like the dark blue color but am not a fan of the design on the front. 2.5

Meredith: I LOVE the blue. It’s a good color for pretty much anyone. I like how Romania always finds classy ways to incorporate the flag colors in their leos and Larissa wears it so well. However, I don’t know what that rectangle thing on her chest is…the sponsor? Not a good placement. It’s distracting. 7

AC: This Leo started out well but the swirls end on an awkward place on their chests. Larissa could make any leo look good. 6.5

Katie: It was great to see Romania change it up and use blue as the base color for their leo. I LOVE this particular shade, but I’m not a huge fan of the across the boob swirls. 7.5

Score Average: 6.85

Canada Qualification

G: This is pretty classic Canada, you've got the red and white and the leaves. I like how it's classic though and that the leaves are bigger than usual. It's nice so I'll give it an 8.9

Evangeline: I think it's cool that Canada is working with the leaves. The red pops nicely. Overall, I really like this one. Score, 8.5

Corinne: Not sure if I've ever seen a more Canadian leo (although their leos always seem to include maple leaves). Nothing SUPER bad about it..but I kind of hate it anyway. It feels pretty childish, like something a pre-team would have for their team leo. Not the Canadian world team. 4.0

GTT:I can honestly say I don't think I have ever liked a Canadian leotard til this one. I like the design and thankfully it isn't as blingy as the rest of the leotards at this meet. 3.5

Meredith: I am just a fan of simple but elegant designs and this one is right there. And I always love the maple leaf design in Canada’s leos. The red is fierce but not overpowering. 8

AC: Kudos for the Canadians always being patriotic with their leotards. I don't know why but it just kind reminds me of marijuana leaves. Also I really don't like the collar. 5.9

Katie: The Canadians can do so much with the maple leaf design…it is beyond me as to why they would choose to use a leo with a giant maple leaf drawn over the right chest area. Thumbs down for a team that usually delivers in the leo department. 5.0

Score Average: 6.75

Great Britain Qualification

G: This is heinous. HEINOUS. It looks like the mesh is about to reveal a lot more than it should and again, I HATE MESH. Black mesh isn't even the worst kind but the design just ruins it. 3.1

Evangeline: Ok, so at first I was really confused and thought that the black mesh was solid gray but when I realized it was mesh, no thank you. Score, 4.0

Corinne: This isn't bad. I don't mind most mesh, and the color tendril things are kind of pretty. This is my favorite so far. 7.0

GTT: I like everything about this leotard except the mesh. I know some people don't like the squigly design but I actually do. 3.0

Meredith: I think they were incorporating the World’s logo in their leos? That’s cool but the stripes are just so random and I find it to be kinda boring…but black is always a solid choice so it has some redeeming qualities. 6.5

AC: The black mesh isn't working for me, and while I rally do like the pink and blue swirls (it's not just a generic GK design) the yellow swirls look like they is a snake on her neck. 6.9

Katie: The design, the fabric, and colors of this leo were downright awful. The swirls of color (which seem to be matching the WC color theme) create a hideous matador like “mesh jacket,” revealing an inappropriate amount of side boob (for the record, any amount of side boob is inappropriate). 7.0

Score Average: 5.78

Russia Qualification

G: Am I commenting on the leotard or the headless gymnast? Kidding, it was me who failed to find a picture with a complete person. Anyway, I think this is super elegant and classy. It has the Russia colors and the clean design. I love the red outlining the neck and chest. I'll give it an 8.9

Evangeline: Um, I appreciate how classic this one is but I don't like the faux sweetheart neckline. 7.1 from me.

Corinne: This is a pretty leo. They're flattering colors, and I always love sweetheart necklines. It's very simple, but that also means that there's nothing to hate. 7.5

GTT: Not my favorite and I like the fact it's red white and blue ( Nice to see some Countries appreciate their flag un like the United states of Marta) I don't like the design by the chest area and think it would have looked better if that part didn't exist. 1.5

Meredith: The Russians are the sweetheart neckline queens. I don’t know if I’ve seen them in anything else recently. I love the blue with the hint of rhinestones. I don’t know how I feel about the V-neck though, mixed with the sweetheart design it seems like a little much. Overall nice to look at though. 7.5

AC: I like this leotard quite a bit. Simple, elegant, and sort of sweet. I would take the rhinestones on the blue off however. Very solid and lovely leo. 7.5

Katie: The leo fit well, I liked the relative simplicity, but the red lines ruined it for me. I think it would have been an absolutely stunning leo, had it been just blue and white. 7.0

Score Average: 6.92

Japan Qualification

G: Points for being unique but I'm not really digging that butterfly design, it distracts me more than anything. I think they should have refrained from adding the black in there and just focused on red and white with perhaps some black accents. I'll give it a 4.5.

Evangeline: Personally, I always think Japan has the coolest leotards, despite what my sister thinks. I really like the cool pattern and the color scheme. I'll give it an 8.5

Corinne: Is that a butterfly??? I'm not sure what to think..okay, I don't like it. 5.0

GTT: I kind of like it but find it way too busy to love it. 2.0

Meredith: Japan’s leos are always so interesting. This one looks like a giant flower. Is that the idea here? Whatever it is, it’s unique. 6.5

AC: This reminds me of a flower blooming on her chest. Flower designs are very hard to get right and Japan nailed this one. The colors are rich and complement each other, very well done. 8.0

Katie: The longer I look at this leo, the more unsure I am as to whether the design on the front looks more like a giant flower or a giant insect. 3.0

Score Average: 5.64

Italy Qualification

G: Hmmm, again, I like the blue but there's just too much going on over by that left hip. They should have kept either the thin line design or the thick. Both is too much. It's not terrible though. 7.4

Evangeline: This one is funky but I'm not saying that in a bad way. I think the pattern works well because of the nice blue it's paired with. So I'll give it a 7.7

Corinne: For an Italian leo, this isn't actually too bad! The "extra" (green, pink, white) colors aren't overwhelming, and the design is kind of art-deco-y. 7.0

GTT: I kind of like it and I kind of don't. I kind of go back and forth. It's a little too busy for my taste but I like the colors and sort of like the design. 2.5

Meredith: I love the wildness of this leo. If anyone can pull of a look like this, it’s Italy. And blue is just a pretty color, you can’t go wrong with it! 8.5

AC: Very typical Italian leotard, too busy and not symmetric. I am not a fan of their style and think the design is distracting from the fairly nice shade of blue. 5.0

Katie: Was this an attempt to put every design used on an Italian leo in the last decade onto one single piece of fabric? If so, they nearly succeeded…the only things missing would be one sleeveless arm and a shoulder hole in the other. There is WAY too much going on in this leo. 5.0

Score Average: 6.51

China Qualification

G: I love this leotard. Truly. I think the shiny white/cream color is really beautiful and the design is so pretty. It's classic China but elevated, like it's from Nordstrom instead of Sears. High score of 9.6

Evangeline: I really like this leotard, I think the shiny material gives it an extra oomph. Usually I don't like white leotards but I think it worked on all the girls. Score, 8.9

Corinne: This is okay, but I feel like it wouldn't look good on anyone..maybe it's the shimmery white? I know when my team had white shimmery leos they didn't flatter ANYONE. The design is also kind of lacking, and the emblem on the chest is horribly large. 5.0

GTT: I have a dislike/love relationship with this leotard. Looking at the picture I kept thinking to myself OMG what were they thinking but then I went and watched the Chinese compete wearing it and it grew on me. Waaaaay too much "bling" on it but the design is kind of pretty when it's not just sitting there. 2.5

Meredith: White leos are so revealing. But the design is so pretty I’m almost okay with the color. It isn’t the classic red leo with gold so it’s acceptable. 6.0

AC: The combinations of shiny white and dull white, and maybe even mesh white bumfuzzles
me. I think it would have been much improved if they had not tried to incorporate the swirls onto the sleeves and instead left them plain white. 5.9

Katie: Stunning. Beautiful fit, beautiful colors, Beautiful design. The only reason I am not going higher is because the Chinese absolutely nailed it in terms of leos these Championships and I need to leave room at the top. Thank the Lord they seem to have moved past the era of red/yellow crushed velvet. 9.0

Score Average: 6.92

USA Qualification

G: Sigh...this might have been really nice in a different color but of course, being us, we'd have to go with PINK. Gag me. And mesh, gag me again. (Don't actually, I have a phobia of vomiting). Anyway, the arm designs might have been cool otherwise but as it is, it's a 3.0.

Evangeline: Where and when did this pink trend start and how can we put a stop to it? Don't get me wrong, the color can be nice once in awhile, in a small amount but this pink hurts me eyes and the mesh is heinous. Score, 4.5

Corinne: This isn't SO bad, but I hate the pink (of course)..though it looks great on Maggie, and probably everyone else. The design is so insignificant that you could mistake this for a plain pink leo. Also, it's a little high cut, at least on Maggie. 3.5

GTT: #BanHotPink. Sick of Marta. Sick of pink. This leotard is just plain ugly all around. I kind of like the top of the sleeve but that is about it. 0.0

Meredith: I saw this leo in so many different picture it was hard to tell what the actual color was. Is it pink? Purple? Magenta??? I really like the subtle rhinestone design. I think I would have liked this better in red or blue. 7.0

AC: Bubblegum pink. Need I say more? 4

Katie: To quote Cher from Clueless, it’s a “Full on Monet.” From far away, it's OK, but up close, it’s, well…not a “big old mess,” but nothing to write home about either. The pink/purple is less offensive than the pinks used in prelims of the past, but it looks like the girls from Toddler’s and Tiara’s were given glue guns, an unlimited supply of jewels/crystals, a few shots of espresso, and told to have at it. 6.5

Score Average: 4.07

Netherlands Qualification

G: Weren't the GAGE girls wearing this in the early 2000's? Weren't they wearing it just this summer at Classics? Something similar for sure. It's ok. I mean, I like that the color combo is different and I think black can be awesome but it's just really dull. Score: 6.0

Evangeline: I really like the colors in this leotard, it reminds me of a tiger and I think everything about it is classy and elegant. Overall, this has been one of my favorites so far so I'll give it an 8.9

Corinne: Okay, so even though I generally hate the color orange, this is kind of refreshing since the Netherlands is usually the only ones to wear it. The design isn't horrible, but I hate the black part creeping up over her shoulder. 5.0

GTT:Jamie Lee Curtis called she wants her leotard back (if you're too young to know what I mean look it up. ) The colors are gross. The design is gross. I wanna know why a Country like the Netherlands that works so hard on artistry could let these little girls go out and compete in such an ugly leotard. 1.0

Meredith: Usually (99% of the time) I HATE orange. It’s just not a good color and almost never looks good on anyone. However, the girls from the Netherlands had quite arguably the most elegant and beautiful routines this year and this leo grew on me the more I watched them. It really suited the team. 7.5

AC: This is acutely a very cool leotard. I loved watching the Netherlands perform, and their leos seemed to reflect their personalities and team atmosphere. A very sporty, athletic design that was fun to see in action and on the floor. 8.0

Katie: Very patriotic. Very Vanilla. 6.5

Score Average: 6.27

USA Team Final

G: I've said it before and I'll say it again: USA thinks they're being all classy with their plain red leos but sorry, other than the TF one in London, it's boring and pretentious. This one is no exception. The strange spiral pattern, the wear little mesh cutout and mesh, just no. Score: 6.0

Evangeline: Though I do like when the US uses red, I think this design is kind of plain and the sparkle design kind of reminds me of a spider. All I can say is, not impressed. Score, 6.0

Corinne: I know a lot of people hated this, but I love the design of this. I do think, however, that the sparkles might be a little overwhelming..but I still love this leo and that they actually wore patriotic colors in the TEAM final. 8.5

GTT:Spiderman must be very proud we used his logo to represent the US of A at an international competition. The only reason I gave it a 1.75 was because I feel like I should not be able to complain when Marta actually uses a color of our flag even if she refuses to use all 3 colors that rep this fine nation. I still find it kind of funny how every other Country on the planet can find a red white and blue leotards to compete in except Marta. 1.75

Meredith: Ugh. Spiders. That’s all I can think about when I look at this leo. +1 for using red in the final but -5 for the ugly design. 4

AC: Very reminiscent of 2012 team finals, red with only rhinestone design. It's a powerful color and looked prettu good on queen simone and my homegirls. But the pattern has an uncanny resemblance of spider crawling on the chest. 6.8

Katie: While pink has become the “traditional” color of QF leos for team USA, red seems to have become the new “unofficial” color of TF. I like the fit, the color, and the material, but again with the bedazzling, especially at the center of the chest. And while I did like it, I found it somewhat boring and very predictable. I miss Adidas as the USA team sponsor. 7.0

Score Average: 5.97

Great Britain Team Final

G: This looks much better in pictures than the live feed but I still think it's a bit cheap looking and mesh. That said, the color is different and I always love the flag on the back (not pictured), I just can't get over the weird skinny lines on the stomach. I'll give it a 6.3

Evangeline: The blue is nice and the sparkle design is simple and not over the top. But I really don't like the mesh sleeves and it did look cheap in motion. I give it a 6.5

Corinne: They've used this leo before, yes? I loved it then, love it now. It's simple enough to be elegant, but the beading on the front is gorgeous. The mesh sleeves aren't great..but I don't hate them. 8.5

GTT: I like the color but not the design. Would have been a lot better without the mesh. 1.5

Meredith: This leo confuses me. It’s like two different leos sewn together at the chest. And the crisscross rhinestones make the torso look short/stocky. Not my style. 3

AC: I agree with many on the gymternet that this Leo just looks a little cheap. The mesh with the crisscross rhinestones look very collegiate to me. While I'm glad GBR made history with thier team bronze, their leotard certainly did not. 5.0

Katie: Big fan of the color, big fan of the Union Jack on the back, big fan of the fact that I no longer feel like I’m heading to a rave after watching them. Not a fan of the two tones of mesh (or what looks like mesh over the top part of a sleeveless leo) and the zig zag lines of jewels across the midsection. 7.0

Score Average: 5.71

Russia Team Final

G: I really like this one. Does the sparkly blue fabric remind anyone else of those big bouncy balls filled with sparkles and water? Anyway, I like the alternating color sleeves too. Sadly, it was super ill fitting and looked baggy on almost all the girls. So it gets an 8.5

Evangeline: My opinion about white leotards is starting to change because the last one and this one have really impressed me. I love the classic two colored arms and how they criss-cross. I'll give it a 9.0

Corinne: Hmm..this isn't bad, but it feels almost like a 2004 leo? Still, there's nothing bad about the leo, so I'll give it a 7.0.

GTT:This was one of my favorite leotards of the meet. I like the red white and blue especially because it doesn't take over the entire leotard but still shows you have pride in representing your Country at an International competition. 4.5

Meredith: Not a sweetheart neckline! (Okay it kind of is). On this occasion I can let go of the fact that it’s a mostly white leo because of how gorgeous I think the upper half is. The sleeves are so nice. I wish they would wear them as full sleeves rather than half or ¾. 6.5

AC: My. Favorite. Of. Them. All. I really love this leotard, mostly because of the shimmery blue fabric. It doesn't just sparkle with random rhinestones, it shimmers! The red is very well incorporated on the other shoulder and I think the design is sporty, stylish, and patriotic all at the same time. However the leos didn't seem to fit the girls and very baggy and misfitted on all of them. 9.

Katie: The fit of this leo was horrendous and I’m not the biggest fan of the fabric used for the colored part of the leo (too much glitter), but this leo has SO MUCH POTENTIAL. And I gave it a 7.5 despite it’s short comings. The design is absolutely gorgeous (simple but elegant), and with the right material for the sleeves/correct fit, I would love to see team USA in something like this. 7.5

Score Average: 8.07

China Team Final

G: I've definitely seen many different variations of this for China but I think this one is very pretty. I could for sure do without that bottom squiggle of yellow but other than that I think it's nice. I'll score it an 8.5

Evangeline: I absolutely love this design paired with the colors and sparkles. I think this leotard is definitely one of my top favorites. Score, 9.5

Corinne: This is okay..but only because it's patriotic. I don't like the colors together, but I can't hate it over that as those are the colors of their flag. 6.5

GTT: No likey. I know that is a cop out answer but it's just ugly. 1.0

Meredith: Aaaaaand back to red/gold. The gold across the right side sort of reminds me of a dragon. But it’s such an expected look. I wish China would branch out more often. 5.0

AC: I feel like I've seen this Leo many times before. It's not terrible, it's not great. It's forgettable. 5.5

Katie: Beautiful leo from China, again. I did like the white one more, but this one was elegant, properly fitting, and beautifully designed without being too busy. 8.5

Score Average: 6.5

Simone Biles (USA) All-Around

G: Again with the plain red...it's like deja vu with the team leo and not in a good way. This one is even more plain and it has mesh so double bad. Score: 4.7

Evangeline: My first thought was, "Didn't we already see this one?", no we didn't. But pretty close. This is just boring. It's really plain and the mesh makes it even worse than the first. Score, 4.0

Corinne: This is alright, because it's red, but the design is lacking..7.0

GTT: I like it better the Spiderman tribute. 2.0

Meredith: Okay I really like this one. And so much red this year from the USA! It’s not too flashy and looked great on both girls. 8.0

AC: Solid red again seems a little pretentious, couldn't you throw in some blue and white too? Also, what's up with the random mesh cut outs on the front? Otherwise almost the same as team finals but not as cool. 6.2

Katie: Enough with the solid red leo that are essentially the same!! There is nothing wrong with this leo at all (it’s actually a beautiful shade of red and a nice design), but the solid red look is being overused by team USA. 7.0

Score Average: 5.84

Ellie Black (Canada) All-Around

G: I've got nothing but love for this leotard. It reminds me of Christmas, like the maple leaves are snow flakes and the colors are paying homage to candy canes. BUT it's just very lovely to look at, it's crisp and clean. I'll give it a 9.2

Evangeline: I read Grace's and I do agree this one reminds me of Christmas, maybe that's why it makes me so happy! I think this one is really cute and again, I really like the way they incorporate the maple leaf. Overall, there really is nothing wrong with this one! Score, 9.5

Corinne: Basically read my comments on the first Canada leo..only this is worse. 2.5

GTT: For Canada this isn't bad. I like this much better than that ugly blue version they wore in this same meet. 2.0

Meredith: Is it just me or has Canada used this leo before? Like at a Pan-Am’s or something? It looks so familiar... The design sort of reminds me of leaves blowing in the wind, which makes for a nice, ethereal look and feel. 8.5

AC: A solid Canadian design. It bothers me that isn't symmetrical. 6.0

Katie: This leo was definitely worse than their prelims leo. I’m definitely not a fan of the color split down the side of the leo, and the bedazzling, the swirls of white and the seemingly random nature of the maple leaf placement are what ruin this leo for me. It’s almost like they had nearly finished the leo and tacked on maple leafs in every open spot on the front. 4.5

Score Average: 6.31

Shang Chosong (China) All-Around

G: I gotta say, China killed it with these leos this year. I love this one too. The blue is very pretty and I like the crystals going into a V at the neck. Sleeves are mesh I think but darker mesh is easier to tolerate. I'll give it an 8.9

Evangeline: I love the royal blue and the simple designs with the sparkles, China really did do a good job this year. Score, 8.5

Corinne: I LOVE this color, and it looks great on her. I hate that the emblem covers up part of the design, it's very pretty. 7.0

GTT: I like everything but the wing like design in the middle. Probably would have loved it if that was not there. 2.0

Meredith:I love SCS so much. She’s just a sweet gymnast. This color looks very nice and regal on her. I actually really like the deep V of rhinestones down the front. And finally something other than the typical red and gold. 8.0

AC: It's so good to see Shang Chusong in blue! I think it fits her. I very much like the silver and blue color scheme but the big, red sponsor tag, ruins the effect. 7.0

Katie: This leo is perfection and by far the best one of these world championships. The color is exquisite, the fit is outstanding, and the design is elegant yet understated. There really is not much else to say about this leo, except, “PLEASE USE IT MORE, CHINA!!” 10.0

Score Average: 7.62

Giulia Steingruber (Switzerland) All-Around

G: This one gets points just for looking nice on Giulia, which it definitely does. The purple color isn't bad but to me, this sort of style belongs more as a sleeveless practice leotard than a competition one. I wish she would have worn her country colors or red and white. I'll give it a 6.0

Evangeline: I'm partial to this one because purple is my favorite color. But I do like the design as well and the part at the neckline. I'll give it a 9.0

Corinne: Well..the color looks good on her. The designs on the sleeve and body are alright, but I REALLY don't like the light pink part around the neck. 4.5

GTT: I don't like this leo at all. Not sure if it's the picture but it's a dull purple and I really dislike the white part at the neckline. 1.0

Meredith: Purple looks so good on her! However, I’m not crazy about the design. It’s really plain looking in this picture and would make for a nice practice leo minus the sleeves. 6.0

AC: The first thing I thought when I saw this was fish. I'm not sure why. This leo has a lot of potential but not much was done with it. As a result it's just kinda there. 5.8

Katie: Decent color and design. I’m usually not a fan of the lower cut leos, but Giulia can make most leos work. (I know this is supposed to be about the country and not the gymnast IN the leo, but let’s face it, Steingruber IS Swiss women’s gymnastics at the moment). 7.0

Score Average: 5.75

Wang Yan (China) All-Around

G: China does it again! I really like this one. It's different but not out there. I think black/yellow/red could look weird together but it's done really well here. Score: 8.8

Evangeline: Wow. This one is really eye catching because of the color scheme and the sparkles in the middle. I really like this one so it gets a 9.0

Corinne:This is pretty. It's a nice color combination, it looks good on her, and the design isn't offending. I also like the unusual sleeve length and beading. 6.5

GTT: I kind of like this leo. I would love it if they would get rid of the triangle like part

at the left part of the neckline. 2.5

Meredith: Nope nope nope. It looks like someone cut open her leotard and she has another one on underneath. It’s just weird to look at. Though the color scheme is nice! 3 (Just saw the leo again in the second picture…I hate it even more unfortunately. That weird triangle thing on the left just doesn’t mesh with the rest of the design…) 2.5

AC: The red and black is gorgeous, and the sparkles actually add to the scheme instead of take away from! I just wish that whole sleeve of white wasn't there and instead looked like the black shiny sleeve. 6.9

Katie: This was by far the worst of China’s leo at these Championships. It looks more like something I’m used to seeing the Japanese women wearing. The crystal use on the black part of the leo is excessive to say the least, and the random black triangle on the front doesn’t help this leo’s case at all. 3.5

Score Average: 6.02

Seda Turtkahalyen (Russia) All-Around

G: Well I like the boldness of the white between the colors and the colors themselves. That being said, I don't really "get" the ornate shape on the midsection. I'm just confused so I'll give it a 7.0

Evangeline: I like everything about this except for the main blue, I don't really like that shade and I don't think it went well with the other blue. But the designs in the middle are really cool, I'll give it a 6.5

Corinne: I looove this. The colors are beautiful, I like the sleeve/neck design as well, but I don't like the necklace-like thing on the chest. 7.0

GTT: I kind of like this leotard. Not a big fan of the diamond like design in the chest area and I personally think it would have looked betterr with out it but I like the design on the sleeve and the color combination. 2.0

Meredith: Such a pretty aqua/navy combo! I like the full sleeve look though the more I look at the top half, the more it starts to look like a marching band uniform with shoulder pads and cuffed sleeves. But regardless, it’s cute and looks nice on Seda. 7.0

Katie: This leo was decent. I like the color combo (minus the excessive glitter on the darker turquoise part), the fit was very nice, and it suited the athlete very well overall. There is one thing I can’t get past: The Kristal Uzelac hair (for those who don’t know the name, google her- promising US junior from Parkette’s who not so shockingly burned out as she was becoming a senior). I don't know if it was Kristal or Kristen Maloney who patented this hair-don’t, but Seda needs to nix this hairstyle…it’s never done a Parkette’s gymnast any good. 7.5

Score Average: 5.57

Carlotta Ferlito (Italy) All-Around

G: Oh dear...what on earth is going on here???? Is that...NUDE MESH?? I can't completely tell if it's mesh or just nude leotard material, either way, holy smokes, why?? Why are flesh colored leos a thing? The blue and black could be cool together but those flames, that design, just no. It offends me. Score: 3.2

Evangeline: Ok, so at first I didn't realize that this was nude, I thought the right sleeve was plain white and the black was solid black. In that case, I would have really liked this one. I love the black flames with the blue but alas, it all went wrong. Score, 4.5

Corinne: I hate this. This really would be pretty, but then they put the flames on it. 2.5

GTT: 2 thumbs down. Not a fan of any part of this leo especially not the color combination or the mesh or design on the front. 1.0

Meredith: I would love this leo if the sleeves were the same color. Either white or black but not both at the same time. Otherwise a nice leo! 8.0

AC: There is so much wrong with this. The nude mesh. The black mesh with rhinestones. The jagged dagger/leaf/petal things. 3.5

Katie: The one nude mesh sleeve that is only nude to the top, the black tipped turquoise flames, the black mesh on the other side, WITH mashing turquoise eyeliner. Burn this leo. 4.5

Score Average: 4.02

Lisa Verschueren (Belgium) All-Around

G: I so wish I could have found a better picture of this one because it's fabulous. I LOVE the straight lines and geometric pattern and the colors just work so well. It be missed. It's great, I'll give it a 9.9

Evangeline: Yes, this is what I'm talking about. The mix of classy and unique with really nice colors. The pattern and sparkles all go together to make this fantastic. Love it! It's a 10!

Corinne: WOW. This is gorgeous. The side designs are beautiful and geometric and yes yes yes to all of this. 9.0

GTT: See carlotta Italy review. 1.0

Meredith: I have never heard of Lisa until just now. Without seeing the rest of the leo, I have a hard time scoring it. But from what I can tell it’s really angular and edgy. I like the red sections and how the rhinestones flare out in the middle. 6.0

AC: Finally a symmetric design! I think the black is very sleek but the red and white geometric patterns liven it up. I want to see how this works with other color schemes. 7.7

Katie: Yikes. My first thought when I saw this leo was that the lines were far too harsh. Not a fan. 4.5

Score Average: 7.01

Simone Biles (USA) Vault EF

G: Yay for red white and blue but...this leaves a lot to be desired. It's just very overdone and I don't love that it looks like there's a white claw mark over the chest. I guess it's a 7.0 effort.

Evangeline: Once again, the US is keep it pretty plain. But despite being simple, I do think it looks really nice on Simone and it is very patriotic. It's a 7.0 for me too.

Corinne: This is okay. It feels like an overused GK design. 5.0

GTT:This is right up there with Russia's leotard from the team final. My only issue is too much bling which I personally find very distracting but I will never understand why this was not used for team finals. 4.0

Meredith: I like the red, white, and blue combination. Under armour has really done well this year with the USA leos (with the exception of TF). 8.0

AC: I feel like this looks better in action. The random sparkles on the sleeves bother me.
Points for using red, white and blue. 6.7

Katie: I really don't like the design at the top of this leo, but the color combo is MUCH better than the one used in PT. I do wish that they had use a different shad of blue in the the detailing….possibly something closer to the color of SCS’s AA leo.5.5

Score Average: 7.74

Madison Kocian (USA) Uneven Bars EF

G: We've got our colors again so yay for that and I think this one is far more creative than the one above but I'm not feeling the red mesh sleeves and v-neck. If it were regular shiny material, I think it would be pretty nice but the mesh, no thanks. I like the blue zig zags though so it's an 8.0.

Evangeline: I like this a lot. I like the sheen on the white and blue. I have only one qualm, that the sleeves are mesh. If they would have just continued with the sheen onto the red, it would have looked a lot better. Score, 7.0

Corinne: I feel like this might work on someone else? Aly maybe? I kind of like the blue spikes, but not the blue around the neck. 4.5

GTT: I really liked this leo when I first saw it but over time it loses it's appeal. 2.0

Meredith:I take it back. This is another exception. I’m not feeling the spikey sides and weird V-collar thing. It sort of looks like a blazer or suit jacket. Not a fan. I like the red, white, and blue! 5.0

AC: "When I grow up I want to be the Russian team final leotard". Basically the same concept as the Russians and certainly my favorite american leo of worlds. Lost points for no shimmery blue fabric. 8.0

Katie: Minus the zig-zags on the chest area, this was one of team USA’s better leotards, although I do wish the blue was a bit deeper in color. The main issue with this design is that it looks great on Maddie K, and would probably look great on gymnasts with builds similar to her. This is not meant to be a body snark, I just don’t see this leo as being a flattering design/ fit for gymnasts with a post-pubescent figure. 7.5

Score Average: 6.28

Ksenia Afanaseva (Russia) Floor EF

G: If anyone knows Ksenia, please apologize on behalf of me for this picture. It was the only one I could track down. Anyway, I think this is the same design as Russia's qualification but with blue on top and white on the bottom. I still like it but I like the other way better. The solid white majority is pretty blah so I have to give it a 5.5

Evangeline: Snore. This one is boring and I really don't like when they do that fake neckline. There's no added punch. I give it a 4.0 sorry.

Corinne: Is this the same leo from qualifications? I still like it, but I wish the blue wasn't metallic. 6.5

GTT: Not a big fan of the chest area design. The colors are okay. 1.5

Meredith: Okay. I’m sorry, if I can see your bra line, you need to change leos. It’s incredibly distracting. Or wear a different type of bra (like a sports bra, which I imagine is immensely more comfortable). Do not like the white body. But the blue sleeves are a nice touch. 4.0

AC: Shimmmmmmmmery blue. The Russian leotards were on point this year. However, they needed to be fitted better! Also, the older you get, the less you should wear white. 7.8

Katie: Mary Lee Tracy called!! She wants her 1998 nationals leos back, Afan! The white non-shimmery body with the top that looks like awkward ill fitting plastic? Definitely a no. If you want to see a great example, look up day two nationals, 1998. Not only will you get a look at the leo I’m comparing it to, but you’ll catch glimpse of a fluff piece or two of Kim Zmeskal’s short lived comeback. 5.0

Score Average: 5.11

Maria Paseka (Russia) VT EF

G: I'm slightly reminded of USA's "Christmas ribbon" Olympic leotard from '96 but in a good way. I like the spindly lines and the colors are simple. It's a pretty leotard so it gets an 8.6

Evangeline: I hate to say it but once again, I really don't like white base of this leotard. The designs are cool but they kind of remind me of snakes or worms. So I'll give it a 6.5

Corinne: Just no to this. White and black (?) and the design is just horrible. 2.0

GTT: Kind of plain. Kind of boring. Kind of just there. 1.0

Meredith: Ugh. Russia. Find a color other than white for everything. 3.0

AC: Blah. Too much white again. This doesn't do anything for me but it doesn't distract so.... 6

Katie: Love the black and white, love the fit, hate the one sleeve mesh look, hate the menacing octopus that seems to be waiting to drag her back to the wrath of V. Rod. 5.0

Score Average: 4.2

Simone Biles (USA) Beam/Floor EF

G: Boooo, this looks like a bad WOGA design. The color is bad and the design/fabric are bad and so redundant. We can do better, 2.3

Evangeline: I know I said purple is my favorite color but not this shade. It's kind of blaring and personally, it hurts me eyes. The mesh is just icing on this bitter cake. Sorry Simone, it's a 2.0 for me.

Corinne: This is alright apart from the color. I like the design around the neck. 6.5

GTT: Depending on the day I can't figure out if this leo is pink or purple. I don't like the design or mesh or color. 1.5

Meredith: I guess I can concede the patriotic colors during event finals. And purple does look rather becoming on Simone. I liked the way this leo sort of shimmered under the lights during her routine. 9

AC: I feel like I've seen this one before? 6

Katie: I actually REALLY like this leo (it’s hard to tell in this picture, but it looks a lot better in a close up of Simone and Maggie). The color is gorgeous, the fit is perfect, and it’s pretty yet sporty…and they went easier on the bedazzler. 8.5

Score Average: 5.04

Hong Un Jong (North Korea) Vault EF

G: Here's what I'll say about this one: good for anyone who has their own personal style, I mean you certainly see the short sleeved leo and know it's her or Chuso but anyway, I think that's neat (like Deanne Soza and her own personal colors). On the other hand, it's basically a swimsuit so I can't love it. It gets a 2.3

Evangeline: I like when leotards have sleeves, especially for competitions. Other than that, the colors are nice but kind of basic in design. I'll give it a 3.0

Corinne: I hate this. Bad shades that don't match, sleeveless, etc. 2.5

GTT: Not a fan of sleeveless leo's. The design is okay would have been better with sleeves. 1.5

Meredith: I think this is the same leo she wears to every competition. I feel bad critiquing her, knowing she probably has absolutely no say in what she wears and where. It’s a nice, simple leo. Looks more like a practice leo but I can understand why they don’t go for the glitz and glamour. And Hong let’s her talent, rather than her leo, speak for her. 6.0

AC: Hey if you want to look like you're wearing a swimming suit then you own it. Take out the yellow/white swirl and just had red and blue then it would be more cohesive. 5.7

Katie: I kind of feel bad giving this leo a low score (because it’s not like she could choose to wear something else), but I’m pretty sure she has been wearing this exact same leo since she was 16/17/18 (however old she was in 2006, which may or may not be the same age as her twin sister) ;) I will say, she is one of the few gymnasts who can consistently rock the sleeveless leo in competition. 5.0

Score Average: 3.92

Viktoria Komova (Russia) Uneven Bars EF

G: This style is reminiscent of something Aliyah was wearing in 2010 and the color reminds me of a bad USA leotard. In another color (black even?), I might have liked it better because the design is ok even with the mesh. I'll give it a 7.0

Evangeline: This purple is nice and I like the metallic essence of it. The sparkle design is also nice but it's not really doing much for me. And neither are those mesh sleeves. Score, 6.0

Corinne: Again, I like the design, but not the color..but it does look good on Vika. I like the jewels on the front, and the mesh isn't too bad. 5.5

GTT: Like the Paeska leotard I just don't see the point of this leo. It's just kind of there. The color purple is pretty but the chest is weirdly designed. 1.5

Meredith: This reminds me of the GBR TF leos but the better, updated version. I like the argyle sweater-esque rhinestone pattern and the color is very pretty. 8

AC: I feel like this leo needs a little more.... something. Also the transition from solid to mesh is just a little too abrupt. 5.5

Katie: The shade of purple is not my favorite, but the leo itself isn’t too bad. The main thing I would change is the sleeves. I’m not a fan of mesh sleeves that end in several inches of solid fabric. 6.8

Score Average: 5.97

Giulia Steingruber (Switzerland) Vault EF

G: I really like this. I'm pretty much always on board for blue and the lines of crystals are really pretty. The patch...I just wish it were incorporated a little better. It looks like she ironed it on just before she came. It's still good though, I'll give it an 7.5

Evangeline: The patch is an eyesore but I like the sparkle design, it reminds me of rain. With the nice shade of blue, this leo is classy. Score, 8.0

Corinne: This might be the most boring leo of the bunch. It would be okay, but the emblem is too large and ugly. 4.5

GTT: Just another leo. 1.0

Meredith: I like this leo so much better than her AA. The color is nice and the neckline is fitting. The only thing that bothers me is the cut is a little high. I’d be so afraid of a wedgie in that thing. 7.0

AC: It sorta looks like fireworks? The sponsor label is distracting and the collar cut....ehhhh. 5.5

Katie: I’m sorry, I can’t get past the ENORMOUS sponsorship patch taking up several inches on the front of her chest. This is the kind of thing that has the power to ruin the most stunning leo in the world. 4.0

Score Average: 5.50

Viktoria Komova (Russia) Balance Beam EF

G: Why? A girl from Dance Mom's wore something like this in a cirque de sole inspired dance and that's where this one belongs. The nude color is straight up not ok and paired with the peach and weird white V, there is nothing good to say. Score, 1.0

Evangeline: Yes, Dance Mom's, that's what I thought of when I saw it. I just don't like it, the nude is awful and the colors just don't work. Score, 2.5

Corinne: I like the color, only because we don't see it often. However, it's not a good color on her. The design is okay, but not nothing special. 6.0

GTT: This one is just plain ugly. I would have rated it the same as the United states of Marta leotard if I wasn't in a generous mood:) 0.5

Meredith: The pepto pink craze has reached the Russians…no no no. The classic sweetheart is there as well… 5

AC: The color! The collar! Everything. I just like it. 7.9

Katie: That leo is hideous. I can’t tell from the picture but I remember from the broadcast that it looked to be an orange-red color? Coupled with the nude mesh top? It wouldn’t look good in any color but this color combo is especially bad. 4.0

Score Average: 3.91

Daria Spiridonova (Russia) Uneven Bars EF

G: I paused the video to take this picture so that's why it sucks. But the leotard doesn't, not really. I don't mind the white and purple and I think Kyla started the trend day one at Nationals. It's pretty and understated (Russia had a lot of white this year). I'll give it an 8.5

Evangeline: Yeah Grace, nice quality picture. Pffft. Haha. Anyway, I really like this one. I love the purple accent color, it's nice and simple and also really girly in my opinion. I give it a 9.0

Corinne: Ew. Bad design, too much white, bad secondary color. 3.0

GTT: I like the design and the color the only thing I am not too sure of is the blue in the middle. 2.5

Meredith: So. Much. White. The purple sleeve is nice though. And it’s NOT a sweetheart neckline. 5.0

AC: Purple seems to be a popular color this worlds. Bad white. Just doesn't stand out on the competition floor. 5.8

Katie: I’m torn on this one. I like the design of the leo but loathe the color combo. Change the colors to something more traditionally “Russian,” and my score for this leo would jump several points. 6.0

Score Average: 6.04

Sanne Wevers (Netherlands) Balance Beam EF

G: This is very similar to what WOGA wore to last years Nationals but it's not as pretty. The colors are nice together and I like the outlined neck but it needs a little something to add some pizzazz. Perhaps more sparkles. Eh, it gets a 6.0

Evangeline: I just am not a big fan of this color blue. And the V design just doesn't belong. Also, it's pretty plain other than that. Score, 5.5

Corinne: This would probably look better with her arms down. The white V is ugly, but the jewels around it are pretty..3.5

GTT: Not a fan of the design or the color. 1.5

Meredith: I loved this leo the first time I saw it. The aqua looked so beautiful in the arena. However the sponsor logo is huuuuge. Which kind of takes away from the overall look. 7.0

AC: An elegant concept but I wish the collar was a different cut and that it didn't have the weird blue outline on the edge.7.0

Katie: Not a fan of the deep vee pattern in the front, but it could have been a lot worse (at least the sleeves weren’t nude mesh). Overall I loved the colors, it fit well, and it was not too flashy/busy. 7.2

Score Average: 4.6

Ellie Downie (Great Britain) Floor EF

G: The final leotard! And (spoken like Bela) it is a good one! Yay for patriotism, I love that the flag is in jewels, really nice. It get's a 9.0, yes it does.

Evangeline: What a grand finale. I love when Britain incorporates the flag in the back and it's even cooler on the front. I also love how it's subtle with the navy blue. Very nice, 9.5

Corinne: Ooh, I like this one. Didn't Beth Tweddle also wear it? It's beautiful either way. I really love this shade of blue as well..send some over to the US girls. 9.0

GTT: Don't love the glitter but I love this leo. This is how you represent your Country. 4.0

Meredith: I always like the leo’s where GBR incorporates the union jack in some way. This one looks so nice and I wish they’d used it for TF. It’s subtle but a really strong looking leo. I really can’t find anything I don’t like about it. 10.0

AC: Great Britain always incorporating their flag is fabulous and this is one of the best I've seen. The design ends rather quickly on the stomach, but really where do you go from there? 7.5

Katie: Stunning. So patriotic. Such amazing attention to detail. I love it. 9.0

Score Average: 8.85

And what do you know?? Our last leo is also the highest scoring!! Ellie Downie of Great Britain wins with an average score of 8.85!! In second place is Russia's Team Final leotard!

China was the country with the highest scoring leotards.

Our lowest scoring leotard was Hong Un Jong of North Korea's VT final leotard, followed closely by the USA Qualifying.

USA was the country with the lowest scoring leotards.

Thanks so much to those who contributed! And thank you for your patience as I worked out the kinks. I really appreciate the people who helped me figure out how to fix everything, I so appreciate it.

G's Gym Blog

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Stuff

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

World's Leotard Panel