Gaar Adams, out of Abu Dhabi, is a journalist specializing in all things Middle East. He wrote the great article Pommel Horses and Protestors, a detailed profile on Nashwan al-Harazi from Yemen, the surprise qualifier for the 2008 Olympics.
I later traveled to Yemen and found Gaar’s article to be exactly right.
Gaar followed the Middle East gymnasts at World Championships 2013, his NEW post titled
From Cairo to Antwerp, With One Chance to Make it Count
Subscription required. (2 week free trial) That’s on Beacon, a cool new site trying to fund serious, unique longform journalism.
I’m quoted in the piece. As is Uncle Tim.
In it Gaar points out how difficult it is for gymnasts from countries like Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Tunisia etc. to get noticed.
For example, Ali Zahran from Egypt competed one of the most difficult strength sequences in history, … and I somehow MISSED the routine.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Did anyone hear about his new move during the competition?
Ali Zahran did not qualify to the Final. He finished 31st with a 14.500 (6.5 + 8.0)
Gaar also mentions Egyptian gymnast Fadwa Mahmoud attempting to make the vault finals by “chucking” a Produnova. One Chance to Make it Count.
It’s a bit depressing. One hope for developing nations are FIG’s Coaching Academies and new Age Group Development program. Egypt has hosted many.
Not mentioned in Gaar’s post was Shaden WOHDAN from Qatar. 🙂 I’m always cheering when I see women from Muslim nations able to compete in Gymnastics. You know they have overcome all kinds of roadblocks.
Note that Shaden wore either shorts or a modified gym suit. Allowed by FIG.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 