Elsa Gracia trains for the 2012 London Olympics (photo credit: http://www.elporvenir.com.mx)
Elsa has lovely long lines and what she lacks in difficulty, she makes up for in execution. At the 2009 World Championships in London, she was awarded the Longines Prize for Elegance. At this competition she placed 12th in the all-around and qualified to the vault final.
Elsa with her prize at the 2009 World Championships in London
She is good on all events, a great blend of elegance and power. Mostly I enjoy her balance beam routines. She has quite a unique style and performs her skills very precisely. Here is her routine from the 2010 American Cup.
Elsa scored 13.7 for this routine
Her floor routines have great choreography and music. Here is one of her better ones from 2007. Gymnastics was a minor sport in Mexico at the time, and Elsa's success no doubt helped the sport gain popularity and funding. Check out the great tumbling!
This scored a 14.925 (easier scoring back then??)
Due to an injury prior to the Olympic Games in London, Elsa was only able to compete floor and beam in the qualifications. Her ultimate goal was to compete at these Olympics, and now she has achieved that, it is unsure what she will decide to do in the future. She participated in the 2012 Mexican Gala, a display event alongside many great gymnasts including; Catalina Ponor (ROM), Rebecca Bross (USA), Marian Dragilescu (ROM) and Jessica Lopez (VEN). Here is her floor routine performed to 'Pretty Woman'.
I have very much enjoyed watching Elsa's performances over the years. She is currently studying fashion design, and plans to release her own line of leotards! She also would love to compete at the Olympic Games in 2016.
Article by Imogen Browne (Follow me on Twitter @IFlip4GymBlog)
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