me trying to balance work, education, gym, hobbies, family life, eating right, saving money, being happy, 8 hours of sleep and having a social life: pic.twitter.com/39wKQ7NMbW
The 2003 German AA national champion Ronny Ziesmer was paralyzed training Tsuk double back preparing for the Athens Olympics.
I was reminded of Ronny’s story watching the far-too-dangerous Vault landings at Worlds in Stuttgart. Obviously the rules should be changed so there is less incentive in chucking BIG difficulty vaults.
Is Ronny coming to Worlds?
* Ronny Ziesmer founded the “Alliance of Hope Foundation” which supports the worldwide research in the field of regeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord. Patron of the Foundation, the German Federal Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel.
* Ronny Ziesmer started three times at the Berlin Marathon (2009, 2010, 2011) in the handbike. His goal is to attend the 2016 Paralympics.
* Just now in October 2011 Ronny Ziesmer has just completed a very successful study of biotechnology at the German “University Lausitz” in Senftenberg (near his hometown Cottbus) as a “Bachelor of Science”.
* Ronny Ziesmer is also working for the biggest European and German TV station “ZDF” as a co-commentator for the artistic gymnastic events like worlds, Europeans or Olympic Games.
The Agency, European Gymnastics Service “GYMmedia INTERNATIONAL” supports and cared for these exceptional athletes in all its responsibilities.
Reality check – Kohei has said that his goal is sticking the landing. For tumbling and vault he does not try for his maximum height. Instead, he wants optimum height.
Gymnastics coaches are not the world experts in safe landings (martial arts coaches are better) but our gyms are the best equipped and most easily accessible venues for teaching all athletes how “not to hurt themselves” when falling.
In Gymnastics I’d name Keith Russell (Canada) as principle evangelist teaching safe landings.
But the best landings video comes from the late, great expert videographer coach Charles Minster from Tasmania.
It’s called IMPACT – Safe landings — but sadly seems to be no longer available.
The DVD teaches landing SKILLS. Then progresses to games and activities appropriate for all athletes.
There are testimonials from Aussie Rules football coaches, for example. (It reminds me of when the famed Crusaders professional rugby team trained safety rolls at Christchurch School of Gymnastics in New Zealand.)
Yes. Part of the problem in WAG is judging expectations. We need to educate judges to the biomechanically, physiologically BEST and SAFEST techniques of landing.