posted Aug 4th, 2008 - Comparing the lineups of the medal winners and top contenders at the World Meet 2006 in Germany and 2008 in France in the 4-way Open Class showed already that a few teams try again with the same or a very similar lineup this year (Russia, Belgium, Norway, Canada).

It is also a fact that all medal winners of 2006 are not competing again, at least not in the same category. There is not even one 4-way Open Class competitor who is defending a 2006 medal.

Erwan Pouliquen, current 8-way player coach for France, won a 4-way silver medal in 2006. However, he has switched to the 8-way event at the world Meet 2008. Airspeed's Eliana Rodriguez, Craig Girard and Andy Delk competed in Germany 2006, but it was the 8-way event where they won the silver medals. There is no DeLand Fire member trying to defend the US gold medals next wek.

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This situation is different in the female 4-way category. Claire "Sparky" Scott is trying to defend her gold medal that she won in 2006 with the UK team Airkix. She has three new team mates, and the team name is different, as well. Bodyflight Storm is the top contender for gold medals in Maubeuge.

French 4-way competitor Sophie Deremaux won a silver medal in Germany, but the lineup has changed, too. Aerokart Deep Blue has only Sophie Deremaux defending her silver medal and competing for the world championship title.

The Russian Ladybirds won the bronze medals in 2006, and no female Russian competitor will try to defend the honors or place even better. Russia is not sending a female lineup to the World Meet 2008.

Norway's new national 4-way team Fortitudo did not compete in Germany 2006, except one member. Trude Sviggum ended up tied in 7th place with her 2006 lineup, far away from a medal position. Her new team, with player coach Lise Nansen, will be much more competitive for medals in Maubeuge.

Germany has a completely different lineup, as well. Focus Remscheid competed on home turf in 2006, the Chicas will represent Germany next week in France. Focus finished in 5th place with a 13.2 average. The Chicas will try to do significantly better this year.

The changes of the national lineups seem to be even more frequent and common in the female category, compared to the Open Class, and the participation has decreased. Twelve national teams competed in Germany 2006, eight teams are registered for the competition next week.

However, the performance level has increased, as this year's scores have already shown earlier. There is a very good chance that the gold medals will only go to a female team that can break the 20-average level. The silver and bronze medal positions will require significantly higher scores than in 2006, as well.

It will be a tight and exciting competition - the polls are open, and some comments have already been posted.