The most successful gymnast in Chinese history, Cheng Fei, snapped an Achilles at age-24.
President of the Chinese Gymnastics Federation, Ye Zhennan told Xiuanet.com:
“Despite wearing tendon protectors, Cheng still tore her Achilles during a training session.”
“Not only China, but other teams including Russia and the United States face injury woes.”
“It’s time for the FIG to make some changes to the rules.”
They have a good argument, … if talking about Amanar being set at too high a value. That can be changed.
But when it comes to Achilles rupture, I can’t think of anything FIG could do to reduce the number of injuries. They are just as frequent in the NCAA where female gymnasts are not competing FIG rules.
Allowing — once again — a lunge after landings would reduce injuries, I think. But not Achilles injuries. That wear and tear happens mostly on take-off.
The only hope is a change in Floor apparatus specifications, perhaps to something like the Weller Spring. Unproven, so far, in preliminary research by Bill Sands.
But it seems to me that Power Tumblers have fewer Achilles injuries despite doing more reps of more difficult skills. Softer takeoff surface. Softer landing mat.
More time on the trampoline and Rod Floor, fewer repetitions on hard tumbling surfaces, might help. Achilles tendon damage is normally long, slow onset.
Leave a comment if you’ve got any recommendations.
related – Brigid – So Sad About Cheng
Gymnastics Coaching.com 