Yamilet attempts Handspring double front

Unfortunately she suffer an injury on her second vault and — ultimately — did not complete the AA competition.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

inspirational gymnast Ronny Ziesmer

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.

(C) GYMmedia INTERNATIONAL

Click PLAY or watch a short documentary on YouTube.

That’s on the gymmedia2010 YouTube channel.

related – Stanford gymnast Adriana Duffy, competing for Puerto Rico, was paralyzed competing Handspring Front vault at Stuttgart Worlds 1989.

(via Vídeos de gimnasia)

Simone & MyKayla – Amanar

We really need computer video analysis for judges on Vault. Height of centre of mass relative to height of the gymnast.

Heart this. Simone is HIGH.

Recall the Maroney & Uchimura comparison?

McKayla might be even higher than Simone.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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.

DVD – IMPACT – teaching safe landings

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.

Click PLAY or watch a short sample of the DVD on YouTube.

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.)

 

reducing ACL injuries

Dave Tilley interviews one of his medical colleagues on the topic.

Lenny Macrina on reducing ACL injuries. Lenny is a Physical Therapist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, and a highly acclaimed researcher.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. (1hr)

Some highlights posted on the Masters of Sport Facebook group:

  • The weak point in the chain is the growth plate.
  • We must do better time management with how many hours we are asking adolescent athletes to train.
  • We need periodization more than ever! Athletes need the time to rest, athletes need the time to recover.
  • How much is too much?
  • Base line data helps reduce the risk of injury
  • Teaching proper jump and landing techniques can reduce the rate of injury …
  • … safe landing asks for the feet to be should width apart
  • Use all muscle groups to help land
  • The Code of Points is aesthetically based, not medically based.

designing safer Gymnastics mats

Former gymnast Van den Avont was injured in a fall.

He’s now trying to design safer mats.

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

Amanar – STICK

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

Watch both of Maria’s finals vaults.

how to land Handspring double front

It’s dangerous. It ain’t easy.

Click PLAY or watch Garrett Kasiski on Twitter.

Click PLAY or watch it again on Twitter.

9 year old double front

Many male 9 year olds are safe and confident training (dangerous) double fronts.

It’s not nearly so common in WAG.

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

Al Fong spotting block system

After many revisions, Al’s got them perfect now.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

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