10 things gymnastics fans can be thankful for this season

Marian Dragulescu at the 2009 World Championships. AP Photo/Matt Dunham

What do gymnastics fans have to be thankful for this year? Here's my list.

1. The fact that the new code of points has made the double full side pass on floor obselete.

2. That countries not well known for producing competitive gymnasts -- Israel, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Great Britain -- are now winning medals in World competition.

3. Kohei Uchimura's form. Fabian Hambuchen's character. Jonathan Horton's determination.

4. That NCAA competition gives many former elites extended life in the sport -- and the chance to grow artistically.

Corrie Lothrop (Utah class of 2013), 2009 U.S. vs. Germany, Floor:

5. That certain gymnasts seem just to get better with age (that includes Marian Dragulescu, Jordan Jovtchev, Beth Tweddle, Jana Komrskova and Aljaz Pegan, just to name a few).

Marian Dragulescu, 2009 World Championships Event Finals, Floor:

6. Unusual new skills and combinations, like the 1.5 through to Arabian double front trend on floor. Or old skills being done with new twists (literally) on bars from gymnasts like Tweddle and He Kexin.

Beth Tweddle, 2009 European Championships Event Finals, Uneven Bars:

7. That NCAA women's gymnastics is taking steps to increase its marketability. The Super Six will go to a "Final Four" style format beginning at the 2011 NCAA Championships, which coaches hope will attract live TV coverage.

8. The prospect of seeing Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, Alicia Sacramone and Chellsie Memmel competing together again. Hey, this is the season of miracles. It could happen.

9. The prospect of spotting Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn in the stands at the next U.S. Championships.

10. That we haven't seen everything yet this quad. But thanks to Youtube and sites like Gymnastike, gymnastics fans can get a much fuller picture of the top juniors from around the world, many of whom are throwing skills they're unlikely to show once they reach the senior division.

Mai Murakami, 2009 Japanese Championships, Beam:

Please feel free to add to the list by leaving a comment below!