tumbling, tramp, diving, acrobatics, circus, cheer, dance, martial arts, X sports … and more
Judges Valeria Lakerbai and Rodrigo Alberto Lagos Ahumada reprimanded.
Two Artistic Gymnastics judges receive a warning by FIG Disciplinary Commission
Too few FIG judges are called to account, in my opinion. We need more accountability, scrutiny and transparency in Artistic judging. Most other judges sports do a better job.
Louis has made many mistakes over the years. Seems to enjoy controversy.
Though this one is more juvenile than anything else, I messaged British Gymnastics recommending he be reprimanded. His reaction to the public furor was undisciplined at best. He’s a bad ambassador for the sport. This behaviour is exactly what we want to discourage. 😦
Carly Patterson said she didn’t mind, if that’s a factor.
As a one apparatus contender on one of the best teams in the world, Louis should be doing everything right to stay on the A squad. There are a dozen guys waiting to step into his place.
related – British Gymnast Louis Smith Gets A Perfect 10 In Sexism
French / American Gymnastics coach Eric Harrison was sentenced to 2 years in prison with 1 year suspended.
Amongst his other crimes, he had a video camera in the locker room in Guise, France. It looks like a pen.
Harrison edited the website Gymnet.org, now gone from the internet. We’ve deleted all links to Gymnet.org from this site, as well.
I want to thank a member of the former Gymnet forum for alerting us to this criminal.
The Art of Gymnastics blog posted a thoughtful overview on the perception of Chinese gymnasts in Western media and general gymnastics fans.
Coaches and judges love Chinese gymnastics, especially Bars & Beam. Every insider I know feels China will be amongst the top 3 teams in Rio.
But I would agree that popular western media a bit unbalanced in coverage.
Read the post for yourself – Body Bias and Micro-Aggression: A Case Study in Lopsided Scrutiny
Shang Chunsong is used as an example. Shang is listed at 1.40m (4 ft 7 in), 35kg (77 lb).
There are many Chinese women this small. Shang’s not underage.
If Bela Karolyi or anyone else hints that she’s underage, he should be called out.
That said, China has deliberately cheated in the past. I’m more suspicious of that nation than others. (I’m more suspicious of Russia as a nation than others when it comes to doping, as well.)
Thanks Cordelia.
A new exposé from Romania. In Romanian.
Olaru is opening up about her life, her struggle at home, the suicide of the father, her mother’s struggle with alcohol and the hard training sessions which at times involved beatings. …
Just in time for the 2016 Canadian Championships, we’re announcing a new public Facebook page called Fans of Canadian Gymnastics.
Since it’s a public group many young gymnasts will be checking it out. Therefore we ask you keep the comments and posts family friendly. 🙂
“Don’t say anything in this group that you wouldn’t say to the gymnast, their families or coaches”
Here are the guidelines.
In Doha I took in a photo exhibit called Hey’Ya (Let’s go!): Arab Women in Sport.
Arab women should not be denied the access to sport and fitness. Many in these nations are working towards improving opportunities.
Commissioned by Qatar Museums Authority, this timely exhibition is a visual exploration of Arab women in sport, and features a new series of large-scale photographs by Brigitte Lacombe of more than 50 women athletes, from beginners to Olympians, from 20 different Arab countries …
Coach Steve Arkell posted some advice for ALL athletes:
1. Stop making excuses.
10. Be responsible for your own learning.
16. Be grateful.
20. Remember why you started
Click through to read the rest.
Here’s the latest in this absurd saga. 😦
Thema sues for $11.3 million! TTGF officials served pre-action protocol letters
Gymnastics Coaching.com 