High Performance Centres in Spain open

The National centres in Spain closed March 11th … and stayed closed for 67 days.

Spain was hit hard by COVID-19.  Plan is to start training slowly and with an abundance of caution.

160 athletes were evaluated by questionnaires, examinations and blood tests. Only 2% were not allowed to return. Yet.

Athletes in phase 0

Ray Zapata

(via Gimnasia artistica masculina España)

USAG on safe reopening

It seems to many that USA Gymnastics was quite slow in posting their own document.

Member clubs had already reopened before they saw this document, I believe.

Here’s a SAMPLE:

Spotting

• Athlete safety is paramount, and coaches should not be restricted from spotting an athlete if necessary, to protect the athlete from injury.

• While spotting remains an important element to athlete safety, consider alternative teaching/coaching methods that align with social distancing protocols.

• Clearly communicate any alternative teaching/coaching methods so they are understood by the athletes and their parents.

• Coaches should consider the use of gloves for personal contact, with a goal of switching gloves between athletes.

Parent Viewing

• Per USA Gymnastics’ Safe Sport Policy, a parent/guardian must be provided the opportunity to observe their child’s training.

Read the entire document for yourself:

USAG Safe Reopening

Kyle Shewfelt interview

Always entertaining and inspiring, click through to the podcast to hear the 2004 Olympic Floor Champ.

Laurie Hernandez on the TODAY show

“It’s a really big step for gymnasts and USA Gymnastics just to go ahead and do the right thing and make sure people know that kind of treatment isn’t OK. It’s not OK,” Hernandez said …

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

 

liquid chalk for Gymnastics?

UPDATE

I got some feedback on this radical idea.  Male gymnasts tried it at one club but quickly abandoned the idea.  It didn’t work as well for H Bar.

Dr. Bill Sands sent a Safety Data Sheet on Isopropyl Alcohol (50-100%).

Risks include the fact that Isopropyl Alcohol is flammable. And some are allergic to topical alcohol. 

All in all, I don’t think I’d try liquid chalk. 

___ original post:

Steve Arkell linked to this video, a rock climber making her own liquid chalk.

Alcohol is a component, a disinfectant.

I checked with a rock climbing coach who agreed it couldn’t hurt to use chalk with alcohol on reopening after COVID-19.  On climbing walls. And in sports like Gymnastics.

He suggested we could use 100% alcohol in the formula.

When kids are in the Gym we should remind them not to touch their face, as well.

Leave a comment if you have an opinion.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

train Gymnastics outside if possible

It’s easier to physical distance outdoors as we open up from COVID-19.  Move warm-ups or physical preparation rotations outside when possible.

Heart this on Facebook.

Xiao Ruoteng interview

Xiao, who describes himself as “cold and meticulous in training” but relaxed, big-hearted and “sometimes careless” outside the gym, attributes his success to trusting in his training and the coaches who have guided him, including 2004 Olympic Pommel Horse champion Teng Haibin.

A streak of self-assurance has not hurt either.

“I am an optimist and willing to take risks,” he says. “I often feel that I was born to win in the gym.”  …

Patient Xiao trusting time to bring Olympic success

Xiao Ruoteng 2018