This is Tong Fei doing a High Bar routine from 1984. I really love all of todays high-flying release moves, but there’s something to be said for the smoothness and ease with which he does all of his moves. The one arm giants are incredible, especially the effortless half turn while on one arm towards the beginning, and that’s definitely one of the prettiest and highest double layouts I’ve ever seen - and stuck!
Flashback to 1984: Mary Lou Retton on UB at the McDonald’s American Cup. Bars of this era always makes me flinch, it just looks so painful when they slam their hips on the bars! But the bars being so close together really allowed for some cool and innovative moves that they just can’t do today, so it’s really cool to take a look back and see how the sport has changed. This routine got Mary Lou a 9.95. Hope you enjoy!
