One of Russia’s pre-eminent gymnastics judges has praised young Wests Tigers fullback James Tedesco’s for his dexterity, following his execution of a “near-flawless” backflip.
Valerie Yanukovych, an international gymnastics judge who has featured at the past seven summer Olympics, said Tedesco’s backflip in signing with the Canberra Raiders, only to turn his back on the contract a week later, was good enough to see him qualify for Australian Commonwealth Games team.
“I’ve carefully watched James’ backflip, and it’s clear he has a lot of talent when it comes to manoeuvring out of one extremely difficult position into another, slightly less comfortable position,” Ms Yanukovych said.
“The beauty of James’ backflip is that it was swift, making it even more emotionally devastating for Raiders fans who by now, really should be used to this kind of disappointment.
“If he had hesitated for just a few more weeks, Canberra fans may have had a chance to get used to the feeling of ‘being wanted’, but this turnaround was so well-timed that most Canberrans have just been left scratching their heads.
“It’s safe to say that the manner in which this difficult acrobatic element was executed will inflict lasting damage on the Canberra Raiders rugby league club.
“Like a lover who has been spurned one too many times, this latest rejection could see the Canberra Raiders give up football for good, in favour of pursuing the pleasures of single life including the rearing multiple pet cats, srcapbooking and ‘staying in’ on Friday and Saturday nights to watch recorded episodes of Masterchef.
“In an international competition setting I would personally score this backflip at 13.1,” she said.
By staff writers