2014 Nanning World ChampionshipsSep 23, 2014 by Kati Breazeal
The World's Top Men Pummel the Pommel
The World's Top Men Pummel the Pommel
The men’s pommel horse is one of the most difficult events performed in gymnastics. Why? It’s one of the few events that favors technique over brute power. In order to be a true master of the pommel, a gymnast must understand the importance of precise skill and movement, paired with refined strength. Four men across the globe have shown they have the execution and skill to dominate this event, and will be strong contenders for the 2014 World title of Pommel Horse Champion.
Vidoe by: Csabtube
When it comes to pommel horse predictions for the 2014 World Championships, one man comes to mind. Krisztian Berki is a pommel horse specialist from Hungary who has unarguably dominated this event for the entire duration of his gymnastics career. To begin, he won the title on pommel horse at the European Championships during the following years: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012. In 2007 and 2009, he won the world silver medal on the event, while at the 2010 and 2011 World Championships, he earned the gold. As if his resume hadn’t been impressive enough, Berki is the reigning Olympic pommel horse champion, having scored a 16.066 with the highest execution score of the games. Berki executes each routine with a level of precision that only he encompasses, and his elegant lines throughout the performance set him apart from the rest of his competition. He is truly an elite gymnast worthy of the name.
Max Whitlock - Great Britain
Vidoe by: FIG Channel
Max Whitlock is an English gymnast who has made a massive impact competing for Great Britain at the European, World, and Olympic levels. At the 2012 Olympic Games, he helped his team earn a bronze medal, while he individually placed 3rd on pommel horse. This year, Whitlock has truly shown his gold medal capability for the upcoming World Championships. At the 2014 European Championships, he lead his teammates to a team silver medal, while he made history on the pommel horse, defeating the reigning Olympic champion, Kristian Berki.
Kohei Kameyama - Japan
Video By: Marcos Aurelio
Most notably, Kameyama competed for Japan at the 2013 World Championships where he claimed the gold medal on the pommel horse, despite many predictions in favor of Whitlock and Berki. He won the event by a 0.200 margin, scoring a 15.833. Kameyama showcases high elevation over the pommels and demonstrates flawless technique throughout his routine.
Daniel Corral - Mexico
Video By: TheLegendOfNeshka
Video By: TheLegendOfNeshka
Corral was an ambassador for Mexico at the 2012 London Olympic Games where he qualified to the individual all-around final. He’s a veteran to international competition, and has used this experience to his advantage. Corral has proven his talent on the pommel horse after claiming silver medals on the event at the 2013 Summer Universiade games, and at the 2013 World Championships where he qualified in second place to the pommel event final, tying Great Britain’s Max Whitlock for second place, scoring a 15.633. Corral made history that day by earning Mexico’s first gymnastics medal at a World Championships, and has the potential to place once again in 2014.
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