Category: psychology

Alexis Vasquez on mental health as a College athlete

Alexis Vasquez is a fantastic gymnast on one of the fastest improving teams in the NCAA.

I was in the audience when her team defeated both Florida and Oregon State University last season. Alexis was Regional co-Champion on beam. A fantastic performance.

Yet unbeknownst to almost everyone was the fact that Alexis was suffering mental health issues.

She’s decided to share her story in an essay and interview. Click over to Denver Pioneers to see that.

interview – Kohei’s coach Hiro Sato

After winning the 2016 Olympics, Kohei phoned his old teammate Hiroaki Sato who was coaching in Australia.

He convinced Hiro to return to Japan and become his personal coach.

Since he was training alone, Kohei was looking for someone to help and motivate, but not be too pushy. In fact, Hiro began training and conditioning alongside Kohei.

Kohei, who turns age-31 in January, currently trains 9 times a week over 5 days. Has two BIG conditioning days at the beginning and end of the week.

Though the G.O.A.T. has said he’s not sure he can qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, Hiro is planning on it. The goal and timeline for achieving that goal laid out.

Dave Tilley posted the lengthy interview which I found very interesting. Hiro is a young coach, keen and very open-minded to advice which he could take to Uchimura for consideration. For example, recovery between Floor and Pommels during competition.

Hiro’s mentors include Scherbo’s coach Sergei Chinkar, now retired. And the late, great Takashi Kobayashi who died in 2018 — far too young — of stomach cancer.

Listen now. 

why more girls than boys drop out of sport

I coach at one Gym where some of the teen gymnasts are training — but still deciding whether or not to compete this season.

That’s working well. They are less worried about getting routines ready in time. Having more fun. And are more consistently motivated day-to-day.

Teenage girls should place a lower priority on competition. A higher priority on FUN and FITNESS.

According to Gatorade’s recent “Girls In Sports” study, girls are dropping out of sports at 1.5x the rate that boys do by age 14. By age 17, more than half of girls will quit playing sports altogether.
…

Refinery29 partnered with Gatorade for its #SistersInSweat movement, in hopes of figuring out why this is happening. Over the course of two weeks in August 2017, we polled 1,000 teenage girls in the United States between the ages of 13 and 18 to find out their reasons for giving up on something that has been proven to make them happier, healthier, and more confident throughout the rest of their lives. …

Young Girls Are Dropping Out Of Sports — Here’s Why It’s A Problem

Thanks Jeff.

related – keeping TEENS in Gymnastics  

Laurie Hernandez – comebacks ain’t easy

Laurie Hernandez has had a fantastic post-Olympics career. She’s everywhere. A winning media personality.

Yet Laurie’s decided to try a comeback. That ain’t easy — unless you are Simone.

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

Laurie retweeted this one.

Shawn Johnson’s baby girl

Jordan Chiles sent congratulations. And thanks.

Sam Oldham’s story

Former Team GB gymnast Sam Oldham is gunning for one last shot at Olympic glory – this is his story

… Oldham is out of Team GB and hasn’t competed at major championships in several years, yet he remains focused on making a surge for a place in the squad for Tokyo. …

“On paper, right now I’m in the worst possible place I’ve been in. I’m 26, not in the GB squad right now, my funding got dropped, I’m actually living with my grandparents. …

Sam Oldham on Team GB Olympic glory and frustrations, his battle with depression and the road to Tokyo 2020

Sam Oldham, GBR 2010