I’m definitely experiencing the inevitable let down now that the artistic gymnastics portion of the Olympics has come to a close.* There is such build up, such anticipation for the Olympics and it always seems to fly by once it’s here.* I’ll admit though, that I did enjoy going to bed at a decent hour [...] I’m definitely experiencing the inevitable let down now that the artistic gymnastics portion of the Olympics has come to a close.* There is such build up, such anticipation for the Olympics and it always seems to fly by once it’s here.* I’ll admit though, that I did enjoy going to bed at a decent hour last night.** Anyhow, there is still much to talk and blog about so here are some of my thoughts on the Event Finals… [INDENT]

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Men’s Floor: Zou Kai was amazing for Gold but I was so hoping to see Diego Hypolito come out on top.* His error on his last pass after a nearly flawless routine was devastating.** He looked absolutely crushed.** Here’s what he was quoted as saying after the competition:

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“I don’t know what happened,” Hypolito said. “Everything was fine. I never expected this would happen. It’s an element I’ve been doing for years, and I never get it wrong. I’m sorry. I’m sorry to all the Brazilians.”

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Anyone know if Hypolito is planning to continue competing after these Games? Pommel Horse:* I admit I don’t know much about Pommel Horse.* I realize that Xiao Qin was dominant but I still don’t like seeing a routine with a big form break take the Gold.* It seems counter-intuitive somehow.* Bravo for Great Britain & Croatia on the Silver & Bronze. Rings: Chen Yibing is brilliant.* His dismount, as I mentioned before, is fantastic.* I really like how he flairs out of it.* I was very much disappointed for Jordan Jotchev.** After taking the Silver (instead of the Gold he deserved) in Athens, I wanted to see him on the podium. Men’s Vault: Didn’t get to see too much here with the NBC broadcast.* I could not believe that Marian Dragulescu basically carbon copied his performance from Athens.* That was unreal.* His first vault, again, was a perfect 10.* No question.* And then he biffs his second vault.* I just couldn’t believe it.*** It was nice to see the Chinese Men’s gold medal streak interrupted finally with Leszek Blanik’s gold. Parallel Bars:* But the streak picked right back up after Vault with Li Xiaopeng taking the title on P-Bars.* It was a well-deserved gold for him.* Great performance.* I also really liked Anton Fokin.* He has such a smooth style and his routine was quite pleasing to the eye. *Is anyone else sick of all the doubles between the bars, though? High Bar: Poor Fabian Hambuchen.* It was his last chance in Beijing, a chance to make up for all his missteps earlier in the week but he was just not on at this competition.** He did pull out the Bronze but he could easily have challenged for Gold.* I was so impressed that despite his personal disappointments, he still seemed to be genuinely cheering for and encouraging the other men out on the floor.* Impressive. Zou Kai… hmmm.* Apparently his start value was just unbeatable but his routine was boring.* Except for his excellent full-twisting jaeger his routine seemed unexceptional to me.* Am I airing my ignorance here?* Is there something that I’m missing? Jonathan Horton: Wow!* What a show!* High flying release moves and a thrilling dismount.* I think a routine like that should take the top spot.* Anyone else think so?* Or am I just showing an American bias here?

What was your take on the Men’s Event Finals?* Agree with my assessment?* Disagree?

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