Shannon Miller. Catalina Ponor. Nastia Liukin. All elite gymnasts who have shown an exemplary level of skill on a piece of equipment only four inches in width, the beam. It’s been eighteen years since Miller made history by winning the first American gold medal on this event at the 1996 (non-boycotted) Olympic Games, and today, we have a new crop of gymnasts who take beam to a whole new level. 

 

USA’s Alyssa Baumann and Romania’s Larisa Iordache are two gymnasts who share many commonalities in the way they perform in competitions- their long, fluid lines give the impression of ease and simplicity when executing skills, yet their power is the component that brings the awe factor. With the level of difficulty and execution demonstrated by each gymnast, it’s obvious that both are gold medal contenders for the event title at the upcoming World Championships. 

 

Alyssa Baumann

Routine competed in 2014:

Standing arabian, switch ring leap, back handspring step out - back layout step out series, switch leap to a connected switch leap half, full turn, front aerial with connected split jump, Onodi with connected sissone to straddle jump, side aerial, round off 2 1/2 twist dismount.  

 

Only a short time ago, Baumann fulfilled a life long dream by earning a spot on the 2014 World Championship team, thanks to her impressive gymnastics resume. At the 2014 P&G Championships, Baumann captured the attention of judges and other gymnasts alike with her exquisite lines and fiery, competitive spirit. She tied for second on beam and claimed fourth place on floor and in the all-around. At the City of Jesolo Trophy competition, she grasped a gold and silver medal in the team event and on beam, while placing 6th all-around. When she operates on beam, Baumann takes an aggressive approach that shows her combative and relentless attitude to claim a gold medal and nothing less. There is no sign of timidity when she performs on the event, and her energy and precision are exuded all the way into her finger tips. Baumann’s 6.0 start value may be below Iordache’s, however, she more than makes up for it with her technical precision and flawless form. Her leaps and choreography show off magnificent flexibility and a classic gymnastics look that is certain to set her apart from her competitors. 

 

Larisa Iordache

 

 

Routine competed in 2014:

Back handspring into tucked full backflip series, round off layout, full turn with leg above horizontal, switch leap to connected switch leap half, front aerial to split jump wolf jump, side flip, round off back handspring triple twist dismount. 

 

Larisa Iordache- a name to be feared in the elite world of gymnastics. Her beam routine is one of the most difficult in the world, and she consistently fullfills credit on her skills and connections. At the European and Romanian National Championships earlier this year, Iordache earned a silver medal on the event. At the 2014 Doha World Cup, she dominated her competition by not only claiming the gold on beam, but also on vault and floor, as well. Iordache exudes confidence as she performs on the event, and demands the attention of all those around her. With a 6.4 start value, slightly higher than Baumann’s, she puts herself in a position to claim a title at the World Championships. Like Baumann, Iordache is a spirited gymnast who presents a fierce, competitive drive to sweep every competition she’s involved in. She attacks the beam with certainty, and seems fearless as she performs a few of the hardest gymnastics skills in the world. She has animated, yet dynamic, choreography that showcases her energetic personality and vivacious attitude as she eliminates the medal hopes of her competitors. 

 

 

The balance beam is a popular event among fans as a result of its ability to raise the adrenaline and blood pressure of all those who watch. The excitement of witnessing a gymnast execute turns, flips, and leaps across an apparatus only four inches wide is not achievable by any other means. As a gymnast, even the slightest wobble or mistake during the routine can tear away any medal contention dreams. Alyssa Baumann and Larisa Iordache are two athletes who make this event seem simple, yet spectacular. Their natural ability and competitive drive will make a beam matchup between these two, one not to miss.