The Most Anticipated Incoming 2020 Freshmen on Bars

The most anticipated series is back! We looked at the data for each incoming J.O. freshmen on each event to see which gymnasts are at the top of their class on each event and in the all around. This week we’re looking at the top 10 bar routines for 2020. 

Also, for fairness, gymnasts with less than three scores on an event were not included to prevent skewed results in one direction or the other. Elites/former elites who haven’t competed level 10 this season were not included as their scores are not directly comparable.

The Top 10

  1. Chloe Widner, Stanford (9.614 average) 

Widner’s aggressive handstands should translate well into collegiate competition for the Cardinal. Her set is relatively clean and ends with a nice double layout dismount. 

  1. Gabryel Wilson, Michigan (9.638)

Her set isn’t the flashiest, but Wilson does end with a straight-as-a-pencil double layout. She keeps her legs together throughout but tends not to totally point her toes.

  1. Brookelyn Sears, Northern Illinois (9.647)

Her set has a pretty standard composition with a difficult full-in dismount. The Huskies will certainly welcome this bar routine in the lineup. 

  1. Kai Rivers, LSU (9.658)

Rivers’ routine features a unique arrangement, including a Maloney + bail to handstand, a blind full + straddled Tkatchev and a double layout dismount. She has good form in a set that should translate well into collegiate competition. 

  1. Aria Brusch, Auburn (9.659)

Brusch’s set has relatively few built-in deductions with just a couple tiny feet crosses or leg separation. She, too, does the increasingly common Maloney + bail to handstand combination and dismounts with a floaty double layout. 

  1. Jillian Hoffman, Utah (9.661)

Hoffman has a nice line to her routine with clean form throughout. Her set is already good and should only get better under the guidance of Tom Farden. 

  1. Kiya Johnson, LSU (9.666)

Johnson has great extension and beautiful lines throughout her routine. Her clean and precise set should translate well into college competition. 

  1. Makarri Doggette, Alabama (9.688)

Doggette’s set is clean and dynamic. Her straddled Tkatchev is the focal point, and her double layout is up there with the best. The only big deduction in her routine is her leg separation on her Pak salto—which some judges don’t seem to take anyway. 

  1. Hannah Joyner, Rutgers (9.700)

We couldn’t find recent video of Joyner, but her time as an elite means she does have a variety of elements to choose from. Her leg form is iffy in areas, but her 2019 scores point to a solid set that Rutgers will appreciate.

  1. Sierra Brooks, Michigan (9.755)

The top performer’s set isn’t flashy until you see her gorgeous full-twisting double layout dismount—but it’s a good one. Brooks has precise, clean skills that should be a staple in Michigan’s lineup. 

Honorable Mentions

Alexis Ortega (N.C. State): Hindorff, beautiful form and toe point throughout
Allix Mason (BYU): pretty Maloney + Pak salto, great handstands
Raena Worley (Kentucky): great form and handstands, pretty Pak salto


Article by Tara Graeve; additional reporting from Emily Howell-Forbes and Mary Emma Burton. 

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5 comments

    1. Hi Olin, These lists are strictly data driven, so while we love Hu, her average did not crack the top 10 or honorable mentions. Thanks for reading!

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