For many Americans, football is religion.
This statement from Commissioner Roger Goodell is important.
On the other hand, no apology to Colin Kaepernick.
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Author: Rick Mc
Career gymnastics coach who loves the outdoors, and the internet.
Dianne Durham speaks
Dianne Durham was the first Black American All-Around Women’s Gymnastics Senior National Champion in 1983.
She was one of Mary Lou Retton’s strongest competitors in 1984 but was injured during Olympic trials.
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The President of the United States Gymnastics Federation starting 1983 was Mike Jacki who’s recently made controversial statements online including that there is “no racism in sport“.
physical preparation for injury prevention
Dr. Keith Russell is one of the smartest Gymnastics people I know
A former Canadian Men’s National Coach, personal coach of Olympians Warren Long and James Rozon, Keith is expert in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and sports injury.
This is the first of a series of FIG Education online seminars organized because all regular FIG camps and clinics have been cancelled due to COVID-19.
One of Keith’s recommendations is to do fewer reps in our yearly training plans by working more strength / power and less muscular endurance. Especially for advanced gymnasts.
I recall Dr. Bill Sands stating a high level gymnasts should be able to complete all their strength / power training in about 30 minutes / day.
I like Keith’s simple graphics that help explain complex issues – knee ligament injuries, for example.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (53min)
Here are some upcoming webinars.
Alabama gymnasts speak
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The good news is that Alabama is taking action after former gymnast Tia Kiaku revealed allegations against the program Tuesday.
In a statement Wednesday, Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne confirmed a Title IX investigation was conducted after Kiaku accused assistant coach Bill Lorenz …
No specific apology to Tia, so far, but that might be one eventual result of the investigation.
Here’s Coach Dana Duckworth’s statement.
2020 Europeans rescheduled to December
MAG and WAG Europeans now Dec. 17-20, 2020 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Tia Kiaku quit Alabama
Tia is no longer on the roster
Read her story on Instagram.
Bill Lorenz is the Vault coach, by the way.
The athletic department did post this general support of the protests against racism.
NEW – National Gymnastics Curriculum
Here’s a recently announced coach education program. Prices are not yet available.
… Positive Approach Philosophy and consists of curriculum ranging from recreational gymnastics to elite gymnastics. …
This program was designed to be used as auxiliary education to standard USAG education material. The National Gymnastics Curriculum was created in collaboration with some of the country’s most renowned gymnasts and coaches including Liang Chow, Kim Zmeskal, Yin Alvarez, Jake Dalton, and others.
Details – nationalgymnastics.us
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Derek Galvin retires from UNC
Derek Galvin, head coach of the University of North Carolina gymnastics team for the past 39 years, is retiring at the end of June. …
Dana Duckworth:
“I am absolutely honored to share my appreciation for Derek Galvin because he’s one of the finest human beings I’ve ever met. His integrity, respect for others and class are noticeable in everything he does. …
“His retiring is a huge loss for the collegiate gymnastics community, but at the same time, I think he’s been a Tar Heel for 50 years between his time as an athlete and his time as a coach. He’s left a legacy for the Tar Heel Nation and I’m so excited for his new chapter in life – to be a grandfather and to spend more time with Debra.”
UC Davis’ Alexis Brown interview
Today Alexis is a student at the prestigious Royal Veterinary College in London.
But in 2017 she began taking a knee during the national anthem prior to competitions as a symbolic protest of police brutality against black and brown bodies.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8OF-Qp60t/
Though some athletes and organizations praised her courage, Alexis recalls now the disapproval of coaches and teammates, and harassment from fans. In 2017 she was overall outstanding female athlete of the year in all sports at UC Davis.
The only black athlete on her team.
Listen to her on GymCastic #427:
Black Lives Matter
The Chancellor made a personal support of the protests.
training Vault without the table
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Gymnastics Coaching.com 