Category: ethics

In support of Chris Waller

It’s essential to support those athletes who have conflict with any person in authority, including coaches.

I believe them.

I also believe those who had good experiences. For example, Sam Peszek, Mohini Bhardwaj Barry, Danusia Francis, Katelyn Ohashi, Emily Lee, Emma Malabuyo and Ana Padarariu.

More than 175 current and former gymnasts and parents, including Olympic medalists and UCLA stars, are expressing their support for former UCLA coach Chris Waller in a statement provided to The Times.

LA Times

My own experiences with Chris Waller were all good. I found him to be an empathetic and excellent technical coach.

NEW Gymnastics Film – Olga

Olga is about a 15-year-old Ukrainian gymnast exiled in Switzerland, who is working to secure a place at the country’s National Sports Center.

But when the “Euromaiden” revolt breaks out in the country in early 2014, anxieties rise as her family gets involved.

This film isn’t about the current evens in Ukraine, but it is about a revolution in 2014 and related to Russia’s violent invasion in the country. 

Olga stars Anastasiia Budiashkina as the gymnast …

First Showing

Read a review from a Gymnastics expert.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Rhys must compete for Ireland

A surprising decision by FIG.

Amanda Reddin stepped down

British Gymnastics’ head national coach Amanda Reddin has stepped down from the position with immediate effect.

In 2020, Reddin temporarily stepped aside while an investigation into claims about her conduct took place.

The claims were not upheld and her suspension was lifted, but another independent investigation is ongoing into “further historical complaints”.

British Gymnastics said it has been “mutually agreed” she will leave her role with the women’s artistic team. …

BBC

Baker, Memmel, Sacramone USAG

Though making decisions by committee is never easy, I’m still happy with these hires.

I don’t know Dan Baker. But everyone feels confident that Chellsie and Alicia will speak truth to power. I recall when Alicia was the only National Team member with the guts to question Marta. #respect

Baker’s broad focus will be on the Hopes, TOPS, and junior developmental program as well as talent identification. …

(Chellsie) provides the technical and coaching oversight of the High Performance Program and serves as the resident expert for training, competition and performance. Memmel will direct training and skill development at National Team camps and clinics and will travel to clubs around the country to help facilitate streamlined implementation of the program’s high performance strategy …

(Alicia) oversees strategic planning and guides the overall direction of the high performance program. Quinn will focus on the program as a whole and the overarching strategy for the National Team while also making the holistic development of individual athletes, physically and mentally, a top priority. …

Michael Phelps & Simone Biles

Two of the greatest athletes all time are advocating for mental health.

Phelps battled with depression.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

IOC assisting Ukrainian athletes

Ukrainian civilians are being killed.

It’s too dangerous for many Ukrainian athletes to train at home.

Ivan Kuliak banned for 1 year

From FIG by email:

Mr Ivan Kuliak, a Russian artistic gymnast, has been sanctioned by the Disciplinary Commission of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) for violating FIG rules when he wore the letter “Z” during the FIG Apparatus World Cup that took place in Doha in March 2022. …

Mr Kuliak breached the FIG Statutes, the FIG Code of Discipline, the FIG Code of Ethics, the FIG Code of Conduct and the FIG Technical Regulations …

… disqualified from the Doha FIG Apparatus World Cup and he will return the bronze medal and the prize money of CHF 500. …

No violation of FIG rules was established against the Head of Delegation, Ms Valentina Rodionenko (RUS) and the coach, Mr Igor Kalabushkin (RUS), therefore the charges against these respondents have been dismissed …