French Tumbling Head Coach Didier Semmola provided his comments on the Birmingham World Cup to AcrobaticSports.com.

AcrobaticSports.com: What is your analysis of Nicolas Fournials' performance?

Didier Semmola: Taking into account the preparation he had, I am very satisfied by this 5th place.  His training load was indeed significantly decreased (Nicolas is in 1st probatory year to become kinesitherapist), so it did not give him the opportunity to compete at his top level.  Nevertheless, he was able to perform at the top of his current level by giving his best.  By the way, I would like to use this tribune to thank Nicolas, who, as usual, showed that we could count on him no matter what the circumstances are.  He is always there at all the meets (for 9 years now), and, in my opinion, he is a great champion. 

AcrobaticSports.com: How high was the level of the World Cup Final?

Didier Semmola: Very high of course! The best of the moment show that the sport is really evolving, and that we are now reaching levels never reached before.

AcrobaticSports.com: Who could beat Wang Jiexu?

Didier Semmola: I believe that, currently, Wang has only one rival (sportswise): himself.  Only a crash could allow another gymnast to beat him.  However, (despite a lack of success in this competition), one could think that Jozef Wadecki from Poland has the physical and technical capabilities to threaten our "Super Wang."

AcrobaticSports.com: Could you tell us more on Emeline Millory's performance?

Didier Semmola: Even though Emeline returned to competition after a 6-month break (rupture of the flexing tendon in the foot), one could say that her performance was not successful.  It seems that Emeline did not find the key that would have allowed her to be a major actor in major events.  It is really a pity because this 8th place and this mediocrre 46.30 pt score unfortunately do not reflect Emeline's true value. 

AcrobaticSports.com: Samantha Palmer prevailed as the undisputed world #1 in women's tumbling, didn't she?  How was her performance in front of her home crowd? 

Didier Semmola: Samantha's performance displayed a very high technical level.  It was really in a class of its own.  It is what every women's tumbling coach dreams of. 

AcrobaticSports.com: Did her level of performance increase since the European Championships?

Didier Semmola: She significantly increased her level, and raised the bar very high. The women's competition is completely evolving.

AcrobaticSports.com: What is your general analysis of this World Cup Final? 

Didier Semmola: It was a competition of a very high level, almost no mistake by the gymnasts overall, a perfect organization, which together made this World Cup Final an amazing competition.

AcrobaticSports.com: What is you opinion on the project of annual World Championships (in 2010, there would be a World Championship only in individual) except in Olympic years, as well as the elimination of the World Cup Final?

Didier Semmola: This formula could, in my opinion, cause to lose the distinct identity of the various champions.  Moreover, an annual World Championship (team plus individual), presents the risk of leading to an overload in terms of preparation of major events.  As to the elimination of the World Cup Final, it would be a pity to eliminate an event so exceptional that gathers the best in the world in each discipline.