The Discussion: The most underrated male gymnast in the world?

What about everybody else?

 

Gymnastics bloggers were asked who they felt was the most underrated male gymnast in the world. Here's what they had to say:

 

Elizabeth Long (The All Around Gymnastics News): Dan Purvis. Heard more than one “really?” comment about his placings at Worlds. Great Britain is no longer a two-gymnast team with solid back-up.

 

Clara (STOI!): Ashish Kumar of India. Not by fans, but by his own federation who chose not to send him to Worlds. I get that it was close to the Commonwealth Games, and there was a risk of burnout and injury because of this. But it didn't seem to bother the Australians. It was particularly frustrating because he had a very real chance to make the vault final last year. With the North Koreans out and Dragulescu looking, well, comatose, there were effectively three spots free for the final. He could've got one. It would have been completely historic. I just hope he gets his chance this year.

 

Anne Phillips (Gymnastike): Epke Zonderland. The guy is flat out fun to watch. 

 

Martina Eggeling (Gymnastics United): I get the vibe here in Germany, that Philipp Boy is too much in the shadow of Fabian Hambüchen in terms of media interest. He won an AA medal at Worlds and many other things in 2010 -- yet German TV cancelled Champions Trophy coverage completely after knowing, that Hambüchen would not compete...but Boy was there and he is able to do just as great and be a crowd favorite just as much as Fabian.

 

Katie (Full Twist): Dan Purvis or Louis Smith for sure. I think GBR expected to do better at Worlds but I feel that it gave them a good knock and they’ll absolutely shine this year. Both guys have got a lot going for them, especially Dan.

 

Rick McCharles (Gymnastics Coaching): People have forgotten about Daniel Keatings. He's got the right coach in Paul Hall. The British men have momentum and motivation with the Olympics in London.

 

Dave (Aunt Joyce's Ice Cream Stand): I believe a more appropriate question would be who is the most overrated gymnast in the world. In terms of underrated, so little attention is paid to men's gymnastics that it is impossible to discern.

 

Vanessa Steck (Wild/Precious): Epke Zonderland!

 

Ron Noe (Stick It Media): Probably somebody flying under the radar right now, who will really emerge in '12.

 

Blythe Lawrence (Gymnastics Examiner): Danell Leyva. He's already capable of huge numbers on floor, parallel bars and high bar. He needs a little more difficulty on vault and then he'll be challenging for all-around titles. Or Oleg Stepko of Ukraine. Come 2016, I expect Stepko to be the Olympic favorite -- if Uchimura isn't still on top, that is.

 

Your take: Who do you feel is the most underrated male gymnast in the world? Join The Discussion and leave a comment below!