In the NCAA gymnastics postseason, we had 10 routines earning a perfect 10.0, all earned during regionals. Judging panels increase in size from two judges to four at regionals and six at nationals, making it harder to earn a perfect 10 with more judges searching for errors or breaks in the routines. Are the postseason 10.0s of a higher quality than those awarded during the regular season? Let’s find out.
Next, I’ll break down the deductions I saw when watching the videos in real time, and rank the 10.0 from one to five stars. As a reminder, here’s my rating scale:
⭐ This was clearly not a 10.0 routine (but still very good!)
⭐⭐ There was definitely a deduction there, but maybe the judges blinked?
⭐⭐⭐ 10.0 vibes, but not actually perfect
⭐⭐⭐⭐ It was a “college 10”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 100% a perfect routine
Vault
Gabrielle Stephen, Michigan State (April 3)
Deductions
Shoulder angle (0.05)
Early twist (0.05)
This vault had great height, dynamics, form, and an undeniably stuck landing. The only deductions I saw were on the table, where you can see her shoulders are slightly closed and that she starts twisting before she finishes her block. While shoulder angle may be getting deducted more…
