A lot of bests have been seen over the last 11 days here in snowy Norway.
The young Organising Committee has been superb, the volunteers numerous, efficient and helpful, the transport service straightforward, the Wi-Fi flawless. And the sport, while lacking the drama and intensity of an Olympics proper, has been exciting and good to watch, blending the innovative monobob and cross-country cross with older and more established disciplines.
To a far greater extent than at Sochi 2014, and more so than we are likely to see in Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022, there was fresh and natural snow at every venue, evoking a true winter sporting vibe. Crowds have been good for the most part, with a total attendance of 214,000, while thousands have flocked to the daily concerts and cultural events in Sjogg Park, one of the real successes of these Games. …
So where does this leave the future of the Youth Olympics now four editions have been and gone?
… the unfortunate reality is that the typical way gymnasts were taught to land growing up (me included) may not be the safest for them and most effective to stick skills. Not to mention coaches are also unfortunately very mis-informed about what the best available science suggests for proper landing mechanics. The concerning typical landing position that we need to move away from is one of
• Knees and feet together
• Glutes engage with the “hips tucked under” into hollow
• Knee dominant landing strategy
• Stiff impact with upright torso
… The reality of the situation is that we need to change the way gymnasts land, starting from a very young age. The more ideal landing we should be teaching and forcing athletes to use is
• Feet hip width apart
• toes, knees, hips, and shoulders close to inline (generally)
• core engaged in relative neutral (not excessively hollowed or arched)
• proper angular displacement of the hip and knee joints
• hip angle generally 30 degrees, and trunk / tibial lines close to parallel …
With greatly increased difficulty being competed now and into the future, obviously the “best” landing positions are the ones that bring impact forces to zero with the least risk of injury, especially major injuries like ligament ruptures.
Most of the top male gymnasts in 2016 land their difficult skills in a very typical way.
Check these successful WAG landing positions. (Some are luck, of course. But many are skillful.)
“More Than Gold: Jesse Owens and the 1936 Berlin Olympics,” a one-hour documentary on the track and field legend, will air on NBC on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. ET. …
“… the story of a pioneering athlete, who in the face of racial discrimination at home and the horrific theories and practices of Nazi Germany, performed at his best under immense pressure,” …
Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in America, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. …
A do-over was allowed after Katelyn’s foot knocked out the Beam end cap.
UCLA freshman Katelyn Ohashi stood tiptoe on the balance beam in Arizona’s McKale Center. With one more dismount, her debut as an all-around competitor in college gymnastics would be complete. …
“The end of the beam came off,” said coach Valorie Kondos Field. “Her foot stepped on that, and (she) had a very scary fall, landing on her neck.” …
Ohashi, though, was quick to stand on her feet again and Kondos Field said afterward that the freshman was uninjured.
The judge panel ruled that the failed dismount was caused by an equipment malfunction and, to ensure fairness of play, Ohashi was allowed another go on the beam.
“I was definitely not expecting that at all,” Ohashi said. “But they asked me if I wanted to do it again. And I was like, yeah, of course.” …
Kondos Field was not enthusiastic about pushing the freshman to the front line. She told Ohashi that she didn’t have to go and that she could also do an easier dismount. But Ohashi refused both offers, insisting on completing a full routine. …
The judges gave Ohashi a 9.825 – a new career best for the freshman. The beam score was added into the individual total of 39.375 that won Ohashi the all-around meet.
Gerrit, age-54, is moving to my city, the new Technical Director at Calgary Gymnastics Centre.
by @ash_gnat13?! 
#Perfection #HolyCow 
Gymnastics Coaching.com 