5 Reasons Why NCAA Event Finals Should Stay

While giving gymnasts a day of rest within a grueling few days of national competition sounds like a good idea, doing so by taking away event finals is the wrong way to do it.  Here are 5 reasons why event finals should remain a part of the NCAA Women's Gymnastics national competition.

1. Pushing Boundaries
Event finals are a fun way to end the season and give gymnasts the opportunity to show off skills that might normally be considered too risky when their score is needed for team competition. We get to see the best-of-the-best do their thing and put on a spectacular show (assuming they were able to qualify).  Skills like the ones below are often seen in event finals but not usually during the regular season (exception being Danusia Francis' side aerial on the beam because she is AMAZING and can do it perfectly 99.9% of the time!)  Eliminating event finals would reduce the incentive for gymnasts to try more innovative skills.  If everyone does the same skills (*cough*Yurchenko full*cough*) then our sport will become monotonous. 

P.S. I'm biased and could only think of UCLA gymnasts doing amazing things, so please let me know in the comments if you have any ideas of more that should be highlighted here. I would be more than happy to include them :)

GIF source: Giphy

GIF source: Giphy

2. The Redemption Factor
Perhaps you (either as a fan or a competitor) are devastated that your team didn't have their best night or place where you hoped they would.  

GIF source: Giphy

Fear not, there is still hope because of the event finals!  Event finals gives gymnasts a chance to redeem themselves if the previous night did not go as they'd hoped.

GIF source: Giphy

3. More Awards!
Whether or not you are looking to redeem yourself or simply continue a winning streak, event finals are the perfect opportunity to add more awards to the trophy case.  Many college seniors within the past few years have had the chance to end their careers on a high note, thanks to the event finals.  We shouldn't take this opportunity away from them. 

GIF source: Giphy

4. Opportunity for Lesser-known Schools
If you are a top gymnast at a school that doesn't necessarily have a championship caliber team, you can still gain some recognition for your school through the individual all-around and/or event finals competitions. If event finals are taken away, then the team competition becomes all that matters and closes doors for talented gymnasts who aren't on a top team.


5. Icing on the Cake
Event finals are a fun way to wrap up the competition. After the high-stress qualification and Super Six rounds, event finals are a great way for everyone to come together to celebrate gymnastics and support one another regardless of school affiliation. Plus, there's usually a dance party at some point:

GIF source: Giphy

Share your thoughts on this topic in the comments below, or via Twitter.  I'm sure these aren't the only reasons that Event Finals should stick around!