tumbling, tramp, diving, acrobatics, circus, cheer, dance, martial arts, X sports … and more
All lives will matter when Black Lives Matter.
Today Kiana Winston is a social worker, encouraging us to “advocate and work towards ending the deeply rooted racism, social injustices, and police brutality in this country.”
Originally from Texas Dreams, Kiana graduated College team in 2018.
Click over to Facebook to read her very positive memories at Alabama. Roll Tide.
Many College Gymnastics coaches are sharing a message on Twitter.
And asking 5 others to join them.
A few examples:
Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.
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.
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.
One of the clearest statements, so far.
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.
Here’s Coach Dana Duckworth’s statement.
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.
Derek Galvin, head coach of the University of North Carolina gymnastics team for the past 39 years, is retiring at the end of June. …
Dana Duckworth:
“I am absolutely honored to share my appreciation for Derek Galvin because he’s one of the finest human beings I’ve ever met. His integrity, respect for others and class are noticeable in everything he does. …
“His retiring is a huge loss for the collegiate gymnastics community, but at the same time, I think he’s been a Tar Heel for 50 years between his time as an athlete and his time as a coach. He’s left a legacy for the Tar Heel Nation and I’m so excited for his new chapter in life – to be a grandfather and to spend more time with Debra.”
Today Alexis is a student at the prestigious Royal Veterinary College in London.
But in 2017 she began taking a knee during the national anthem prior to competitions as a symbolic protest of police brutality against black and brown bodies.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA8OF-Qp60t/
Though some athletes and organizations praised her courage, Alexis recalls now the disapproval of coaches and teammates, and harassment from fans. In 2017 she was overall outstanding female athlete of the year in all sports at UC Davis.
The only black athlete on her team.
Listen to her on GymCastic #427:
The Chancellor made a personal support of the protests.
