What are your overall views on Kirsten Maloney. She was probably the most consistent U.S gymnast (and taking into account total achievements, as much as it pains me to say it, the most successful U.S gymnast) of that quad. She was the only one who was always 1 of the perceived dominant 2 Americans. Despite her 5th place at the 97 Nationals (where for once her famed consistency went out the window, falling on bars three times over 2 days) I would say she and Atler were considered as clearly the top 2 Americans each of 97, 98, and 99. Although in 98 a case could be made for Moceanu too. Then in 2000 obviously it was she and Ray. She might have even been able to win Nationals 4 times in a row. She obviously could have won in 97, especialy with Atler falling on bars on the 2nd day, and many of the other contenders having mistakes. 2000 she had rocky performances on beam both day, and possibly could have won otherwise, despite that Ray really pulled away from her after that this year.
However internationally she never made a huge impact at the biggest meets. She had a lot of success at meets like Pacific Alliance, Goodwill Games, and such. At Olympics and worlds she was rightfully docked for her hideous form and questionable technique, and she also seemed to be often injured (particularly at 99 worlds and 2000 Olympics) and unable to perform up to her Nationals and earlier season level ever at said events.
I couldn't stand her gymnastics, and found her a major eyesore and a reflection of all that is wrong with the Parkettes training. She was flat out fugly in her work, and I used to have nightmares about her twisting form and her leg form in general. I do respect her throwing some insane difficulty for the time though, generally being extremely consistent with it, and being as tough as nails, performing well and having success with some enormous injuries at times.
Opinions on Kirsten Maloney?
