Category: Gymnastics

Kurt Thomas R.I.P.

I can’t believe it.

Kurt Thomas competed for Indiana State University; where he was a five-time NCAA champion, winning the parallel bars and all-around in 1977 and parallel bars, horizontal bar and the all-around in 1979. Thomas helped lead the men’s gymnastics to the 1977 National Championship.

An Olympian in 1976, Kurt was the first American male gymnast to win a gold medal in floor exercise at the 1978 Worlds.

His name lives on as many of us still call Flair Czechkehre Flair a Thomas.

“I am completely devastated to hear this”, said Olympic teammate Bart Conner.

“Kurt was a fierce rival, who went on to become a cherished friend.

My heart is breaking for his wife Beckie, his children, Hunter, Kassidy and Kurt as well as the entire gymnastics community, who lost a true pioneer today.”

IG – World Champion Gymnast Kurt Thomas Passes Away After Suffering Stroke

racist incidents at Florida

Reporter D’Arcy Maine put together a summary article on the fallout from complaints by Kytra Hunter and Kennedy Baker.

Former star gymnast Kytra Hunter says racism complaints ‘fell on deaf ears’ at Florida

Jenny Rowland organized a video conference call with the team to discuss the issues.

And the team posted a statement.

 

celebrating diversity at UCLA

One thing I’ve always admired about the Bruins is the racial diversity of their teams.

It’s difficult to get data on racial bias in judging, but it should be easy to compare NCAA teams for diversity.

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

racist incidents at SEMO

Chris Licameli was three years an Assistant Coach at Southeast Missouri.

Recall he was the self-funded coach for Canada at the last FISU Games, a team which included SEMO gymnast Alana Fischer.

In a new, personal blog post, Chris recounts a number of racist incidents he observed with the team and — at times — tried to stop.

“More needs to be addressed by the university & Athletics Department on this current Human Rights Issue of racism in this country, the NCAA, and at this Institution.

I have reached out to the Athletic Director of this institution’s Athletic Department letting them know that there are still public displays of racism on official team social media accounts and the athletic department’s website. …

To all my former black student athletes, black student athletes across the NCAA, and to all persons of color, I stand with you, I am here to listen, advocate, and support, because BLACK LIVES MATTER.”

Read his entire post.

Here’s a statement from the SEMO Athletics Department.

 

Sacramento State on Black Lives Matter

One of the clearest statements, so far.

Dianne Durham speaks

Dianne Durham was the first Black American All-Around Women’s Gymnastics Senior National Champion in 1983.

She was one of Mary Lou Retton’s strongest competitors in 1984 but was injured during Olympic trials.

Like this on Facebook.

The President of the United States Gymnastics Federation starting 1983 was Mike Jacki who’s recently made controversial statements online including that there is “no racism in sport“.

 

physical preparation for injury prevention

Dr. Keith Russell is one of the smartest Gymnastics people I know

A former Canadian Men’s National Coach, personal coach of Olympians Warren Long and James Rozon, Keith is expert in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and sports injury.

This is the first of a series of FIG Education online seminars organized because all regular FIG camps and clinics have been cancelled due to COVID-19.

One of Keith’s recommendations is to do fewer reps in our yearly training plans by working more strength / power and less muscular endurance. Especially for advanced gymnasts.

I recall Dr. Bill Sands stating a high level gymnasts should be able to complete all their strength / power training in about 30 minutes / day.

I like Keith’s simple graphics that help explain complex issues – knee ligament injuries, for example.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.  (53min)

Here are some upcoming webinars.

click for larger version of this screen grab

Alabama gymnasts speak

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

The good news is that Alabama is taking action after former gymnast Tia Kiaku revealed allegations against the program Tuesday.

In a statement Wednesday, Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne confirmed a Title IX investigation was conducted after Kiaku accused assistant coach Bill Lorenz …

No specific apology to Tia, so far, but that might be one eventual result of the investigation.

Details.

Here’s Coach Dana Duckworth’s statement.

2020 Europeans rescheduled to December

MAG and WAG Europeans now Dec. 17-20, 2020 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

 

 

Tia Kiaku quit Alabama

Tia is no longer on the roster

Read her story on Instagram.

Bill Lorenz is the Vault coach, by the way.

The athletic department did post this general support of the protests against racism.