“The uncertainty of the outcome is clearly causing frustration for Julia”
Julia's first back-to-front roll?
Observers say it's still too close to call
November 18, 2000
BOSTON, MA - In the last 48 hours, Julia has shown every indication that she will achieve a back-to-front rollover victory -- but, her public is asking, when?
First attempts Thursday
On Thursday night, rollover seemed imminent when she made several three-quarters rolls from her back to her side and continuing partway onto her front. These attempts occurred after a hiatus of several weeks in back-to-side rolling. Julia's first back-to-side rolls occurred in mid-October, but tapered off in frequency and only resumed in the last week. Two days ago, the roll changed. Instead of stopping after 90 degrees and resting on her side, she continued over towards her stomach. Although she appeared to be headed for a complete roll, after holding the position for several seconds she reversed direction and rolled back to her back. Video: Roll Attempt
Too close to call
This pattern persisted in subsequent attempts over the next 48 hours. Although the lower half of her body often seemed to have completed the roll, the upper half remains at a 45 degree angle to the ground. While some supporters believe that this should count as a roll, since her intent to roll is clearly demonstrated, opponents ... no, wait, how could anyone be opposed to Julia? ... others maintain that a re-roll will be required.
Arm may be impediment
Analysts who have followed Julia's rollover effort suggest that her arm may be the impediment to success. Having her lower arm perpendicular to her body seems to be preventing her from completing the full 180 degree roll. See sidebar link: The Anatomy of a Roll
Uncertainty causing frustration
The uncertainty of the outcome is clearly causing frustration for Julia, as she expressed in a brief statement
on Friday. She obviously senses that she is on the brink of a historic event, yet it falls just beyond her grasp. Unnamed sources within the Weiss-Curry household indicate that the excitement has made reaching for nearby items a stressful experience for Julia and has caused her some difficulty sleeping.
Public on edge
When will Julia complete the roll? Although the first 75 percent of the roll happened quickly, progress on the last 25 percent is uncertain. When Julia's efforts began, it appeared that the roll could be concluded within seconds or minutes. As the effort has drawn out over the last 48 hours, however, this could take days or even weeks to resolve. One thing is certain: it will be the talk of America over the Thanksgiving dinner table.
Stay tuned to WeissCurry.com for continuing updates on this breaking story!
See
the roll step by step!
