Gymnastics Tiebreaker Options - Which do you think is best?

Question

We probably all know about the controversy over the gymnastics tie-breaking rules (Nastia Liukin and He Kexin tie for Gold, but Nastia wins in Silver) currently being used by the Olympic Committee, right?

If the FIG/IOC were to change the rules to one of the following, which do you think would be best and why?

1) Keep the current method:
 The highest and lowest of of 6 judges scores are thrown out. The remaining 4 are averaged. If they still tie then the 3 lowest of those 4 score are averaged and the lowest average of those 3 is the winner.
Explained in more detail here: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/olympics/2008/08/the_uneven_bars_tiebreaker_exp.html

2) Have a tie-breaking "new" routine.  The two tied gymnasts perform the same routine adding one new element or trick, and the judges base the winner on those performances.

3) Have the two tied gymnasts perform a routine of basics. Each one performs only the basic required elements.  The scores are then based on the best of the basics so to speak.

My opinion is either 2 or 3 (both of which I thought up).  I think I prefer choice #3 because it seems in this day and age, the girls are into their "tricks" and nailing them, but sometimes "miss" basic elements.  Getting back to basics seems a bit more challenging to me as the girls seem to lose some of those skills while trying to perfect the "tricks".

So, if you could choose, which would it be? Or do you have a better idea?

Wilson!!!!! · Accepted Answer

I think any Tie-break system is stupid. He and Nastia got the same score...bring back the dual gold from 1997. It's pathetic and it's hard to swallow from the silver medalist.

megwill♥♫ · Answer

Actually, after reading the details explanation of the tie-breaker, I think the current method is fair.

This is because the 2nd round of tie breaker looks at the the gymnasts that judges deducted the least points. ie. least mistakes.

Your option 2 and 3 may still result in a tie as the judge will still have to give points and there will still be a chance that it is a tie.

Bigfoot · Answer

I say just award double medals.  They use average scores for a reason and breaking ties by narrowing the sample will always result in controversy.  If two competitors earn the same score, then why should one be forced to settle for the silver.

Anonymous · Answer

I like number 3. Also they can break the tie by having them both do a dismount of their choice and whoever scores the best wins.

Amanda P · Answer

i think 3 it would be realy hard to memorize so many routines

i think they should just go back to the perfect 10 system

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Gymnastics Tiebreaker Options - Which do you think is best?

5 Answers