posted Aug 9th, 2008 - No weather problems at all so far today - the dropzone in Maubeuge is very busy. NSL photographer Nathan Polis has prepared a clip with an overview of the whole dropzone, which will be uploaded soon. It is busy enough to provide a real live impression of what is going on the last day before the first scores will be posted.

The field of 4-way teams in the female category has become smaller compared to the World Meet 2006. Twelve teams competed in Germany, eight teams are ready for Round 1 in Maubeuge.

Seven of the eight nations (Australia, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, UK, USA) had their all-female lineups in Germany 2006. Belgium has sent an additional female team to France this year. Russia, Netherlands, Ukraine, South Africa and Switzerland are not represented at the World Meet 2008.

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The impact of the missing nations is heavier in the female category. There is even a missing medal winner of 2006. Russia's Ladybirds won the bronze medals in Germany, and Russia will not try to defend this position. The Dutch team Infinity and Ukraine's Alfa Fox raced with each other in Germany for the 6th place, South Africa ended up in last place. With the female lineup, Belgium now has a team in each category.

The United Kingdom and France will try to defend their top positions in the female 4-way competition. Each lineup has one medal winner of 2006, Claire "Sparky" Scott for Bodyflight Storm, Sophie Deremaux for Aerokart Deep Blue.

Claire Scott will try to set a new record for women in 4-way. She will attend her 5th World Meet in this category, including the Women's Cup in Australia 1999. She took the first place at the test event in 1999, then won gold medals in 2003 (V-Max) and 2006 (Airkix). Now she is aiming for her third gold medal.

Coach Dan BC is aiming for the same goal. He guided the US team Synchronicity to victory in Croatia 2004 and defended his coaching title successfully with Airkix in Germany 2006. His work with Bodyflight Storm has been just as successful and might bring the next gold medal.

Bodyflight Storm is the top contender in the female category, as the NSL World Meet poll clearly shows. The other medal contenders don't seem to have great chances to keep up with the British team, according to the poll. However, especially the French team Aerokart Deep Blue will not give up the hometurf easily.

The US team Fastrax Blue has gained momentum ever since Perris Fury member Christy Frikken joined the team, as observers mentioned. It is not unusual that a top competitor or player coach pushes a team to a new performance level. The poll for the female category shows the US team in second place. Norway's team Fortitudo is the underdog in this competition.

18th FAI World Formation Skydiving Championships 2008
Who will win medals in the 4-way Women's Class?	United Kingdom - Bodyflight Storm France - Aerokart Deep Blue USA - Fastrax Blue Norway - Fortitudo Germany - Chicas
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