Category: ethics

Komova finally proud of London Silver

At the London Olympics you could argue that either Gabby Douglas or Viktoria Komova deserved the gold. LIVE at the time, I thought Gabby was slightly better in the AA competition.

17-year-old Komova did not take the loss well.

I was disappointed in her attitude at the time. Poor sportsmanship.

Now I can say this: ⠀ I’m proud of myself! I’m proud of my performance! And I’m glad I went to the Olympics! 🎉 ⠀ This is my sports pride for life ♥️” 

read more – Russia’s Viktoria Komova Is Finally Proud Of Her Olympic All Around Silver Medal

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

World PEACE is one of the goals of the IOC.

This is why they should take a stand against war mongers like Putin. Russian athletes must suffer because of their dictator.

Hopefully they can quickly resume world sport when Russia withdraws from Ukraine.

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

Russia appeals to Court of Arbitration

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said Tuesday that Russian officials have filed appeals against governing bodies in soccer, figure skating and speedskating, gymnastics, rowing, rugby and biathlon. …

The headline legal case in soccer saw FIFA ban Russian teams from its global competitions, which removed the men’s national team from World Cup qualifying last month. …

ESPN

As much as I feel rotten for Russian athletes who do not support Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, the bans should be upheld.

When Putin withdraws, those athletes should be quickly allowed to return.

Oleg Vernyayev defending his nation

Stay safe.

Meanwhile, Nikita Nagorny won’t be allowed to compete Bundes League in Germany due to his pro-war support of Putin.

Canadian gymnasts call for independent investigation

More than 70 Canadian gymnasts are calling on an investigation into what they say is a toxic culture and abusive practices within their sport in the country.

In a letter Monday to Sport Canada’s director general Vicki Walker, the current and retired athletes said that the fear of retribution has prevented them from speaking out for nearly a decade.

“However, we can no longer sit in silence,” the letter said. “We are coming forward with our experiences of abuse, neglect, and discrimination in hopes of forcing change.” …

CBC

Tony Retrosi on USA Coordinator search

Right now U.S. Elite Coaching Association Chairman Tony Retrosi is working with the Swiss National team as they build a more positive culture.

But Tony weighed in on the current search for the next women’s National Team Coordinator:

As a coach, I do not coach the same way today as I did 30 years ago or even 5 years ago. I will not coach the same way in 5 years as I do today. We learn, we make path corrections and move forward. What is completely acceptable today will be frowned upon in just a few short years. Like a hair cut or a suit, Today I look cool.  In a few years, Oh my god, what was I thinking?! 

The USA is searching for a new National Team Coordinator. Reality is that there are not a lot of qualified individuals.  For the record, I do not feel I am qualified or interested.

Going down the list of my rules here are my thoughts.  …

READ MORE …

Stella Zakharova in Ukraine

Stella Zakharova — now age-58 — was Olympic team champion in 1980.

Worlds team champion in 1979 Fort Worth.

This war is stupid.

Support gymnasts in Ukraine

Head coach of Ohio State’s men’s gymnastics team and former gymnast with three Olympic medals, including two gold, is sending out a plea to help gymnasts in Ukraine.

You can help! …

Details

You can Venmo funds to Rustam Sharipov and he’ll personally make sure tape, grips and other supplies get to gymnasts who need them.

happier, healthier coaches & gymnasts

Kim Shore was a great gymnast, a Gym Mom, past Director for Gymnastics Canada — and an important voices for improving Gymnastics culture.

This interview is excellent information for all coaches, parents and sport leaders.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun on the Russian invasion

International Gymnast Online interview

The 18-year-old Kovtun, who finished 11th all-around at last summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo and third all-around at last fall’s World Championships in Kitakyushu, has maintained his composure on and off the apparatus since the invasion of his homeland began February 24. …

IGO: Congratulations on your gold and silver medals in Cottbus, and your gold, silver and bronze medals in Doha. Given the situation in your country, how did you manage to maintain your focus to perform so strongly in those finals?

IK: Thanks a lot, I’m very pleased. I tried and fought to the bitter end. My family and my coach (Irina Nadyuk) support me. We are all walking the same path together. I was scared for my people, for our freedom, for relatives and friends, but the coach and my parents set me up and helped me to go through the competition proudly for our people and represent our country with dignity.

IGO: What is the situation like for your family in Ukraine right now? How they are living and managing to survive?

IK: Our families live in fear and hear air raid sirens all the time …

IGO:  What can people do to help Ukrainians, and especially Ukrainian gymnasts and their coaches?

IK: Almost the whole world is helping Ukrainians, both financially and morally. Many countries are taking our families to their homes and helping them in society. Gymnastics clubs in different countries are ready to accept our gymnasts with their families, and provide accommodation, meals and a place to practice. …

Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun: ‘God is with us and the truth is on our side’
https://twitter.com/intlgymnast/status/1501927265545957384