Category: psychology

Pride Tape

The NHL (National Hockey League) was infamously homophobic and non-diverse.

I know. I’m a Canadian.

That league has improved tremendously in recent years, however. Protecting minority players and taking actions so that all in the sport can be treated equally.

But now …

Rainbow-colored Pride Tape has been part of pro ice hockey for seven years, symbolizing the sport’s pledge to be welcoming and inclusive. But the NHL has banned the athletic tape, quickly sparking a backlash.

Critics say the league’s decision is a step backward.  …

The tape got a big boost in early 2016, when the Edmonton Oilers used it as a way to support young LGBTQ+ athletes who might otherwise quit playing ice hockey in the face of homophobia and discrimination. …

The NHL bans Pride Tape, setting off a backlash from players and fans
Marian Studenic of the New Jersey Devils

One bit of good news where I live …

Rebeca on training after knee injuries

Rebeca Andrade has had 3 ACL tears: 2015, 2017, and 2019.

Yet she came back to be competing the all-around right beside the greatest gymnast all time, Simone.

It’s possible.

Since her three major knee injuries, Andrade has picked her spots to compete extremely carefully.

After her 2022 World all-around win, she didn’t compete on the floor exercise again until this year’s Worlds in Antwerp.

“I have complete freedom to talk to Chico [Francisco Porath], who is my coach, and he knows that when I’m in pain, I tell him that, ‘Today, it is very difficult. Is it okay for us to hold off on that workout, to do a lighter workout?’ because he knows that the next day I’m going to arrive at the gym and I’m going to do my best,” explained Andrade of her approach.

“This is very important to me. This exchange that we have, this trust that we have in each other – and also, the physical part, the physical trainer, the multidisciplinary part also with physiotherapy, massage therapy, psychologist [is important].

Olympics.com

Angelina Melnikova interview

It can’t be easy to be one of the best gymnasts in the world, unable to compete internationally.

This long interview is excellent. And about as honest as possible under the Putin dictatorship.

She expects not be allowed to compete Paris. Unsure about 2028 L.A.

Fred Richard on YouTube

Our new — surprise — Worlds Bronze medalist in the AA has an entertaining YouTube channel. Check it out. And SUBSCRIBE.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Girls Talk About Growing Up & Sports

We asked girls and all-star athletes like Jordan Chiles, Rayssa Leal, and Bebe Vio how they tackled obstacles that made them want to quit sport. …

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Heath Thorpe interview

Great gymnast. Fantastic media guy. One of the best in Antwerp, I felt.

“Media can be terrible. … These questions can be terrible.”

Heath has empathy with the gymnasts. And they trust him not to sensationalize any word they might say.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

gymnasts for #WorldMentalHealthDay

Tips for staying mentally healthy while training one of the world’s most difficult sports.

Fred deserves it

Listen to James Hall — who hit 6 / 6.

You DO deserve it man.

IF you can medal with a fall, you medal. Fred was great yesterday.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Hashimoto Daiki on TEAM Gold

This feels better than his individual World and Olympic AA titles.