I have a question about substitution procedures at the Games. While I've never seen a U.S. athlete get subbed out in the AA or an event final unless there were a true injury, there are dozens of times where Russia, Romania, etc., have pulled a gymnast out to replace with a different gymnast they believe will do better. (Examples: Galieva pulled for AA Gutsu in 92, Marinescu pulled from AA for Amanar in 96, Milo pulled for beam finals for Marinescu in 96, etc.
What exactly is the rule? I thought if you were injured, one of the reserves stepped in. But what about the 3rd best U.S., Russia, Romania, Chinese girl --- automatically disallowed under the 2-per country rule? Would they get first preference over the reserves if they had a higher score? And can a nation truly sub out their individual for another individual from that nation if they were not next in line?
Subbing out gymnasts
What exactly is the rule? I thought if you were injured, one of the reserves stepped in. But what about the 3rd best U.S., Russia, Romania, Chinese girl --- automatically disallowed under the 2-per country rule? Would they get first preference over the reserves if they had a higher score? And can a nation truly sub out their individual for another individual from that nation if they were not next in line?
