tumbling, tramp, diving, acrobatics, circus, cheer, dance, martial arts, X sports … and more
In big winds it’s easy for a tent or trampoline to FLY away.
Before Hurricane Humberto in Bermuda last week, one family used stakes and a load binder strap to prevent wind getting underneath the bed. It worked.
Another family did have their trampoline fly — despite being tied down.
Once upon a time, I was a gymnast.
It was the only thing I knew, and the only thing I loved about myself.
I never had the opportunity or wherewithal to develop interests outside of my sport, and became dependant on it for validation in many ways. It was the common bond between my mother, my sisters (who also did gymnastics),and I.
It was the one arena where I, a quiet, shy introvert could stand out and showcase a special talent.
It was my only source of socialization or meaningful connection. And, like many high-level athletes across various sports, it became my identity. …
Today Carly promotes discussion on mental health. Her own and others.
Quitting Gymnastics can be traumatic. Like a divorce.
But there are many upsides, as well. The best I’ve seen on this topic is from a Freakonomics podcast — The Upside of Quitting
Putin loves sport.
I suspect corruption in Russian Anti-Doping goes all the way to the top.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has given Russia 3 weeks to explain how multiple positive drug tests were deleted from a database during the agency’s investigation into the massive doping scandal that broke in 2016.
Why it matters: If Russia doesn’t comply, the country will likely be banned from next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. …
Obviously every athlete has the right to compete in sport.
In many sports, athletes must compete EITHER in the women’s category, or the men’s.
In the case of Caster Semenya, she was allowed to compete in the women’s division until an IAAF rule change. She is appealing that May 2019 decision.
In Connecticut, male athletes who identify as female have been allowed to compete in Track and Field.
Two of their competitors, Selina Soule and Alanna Smith, feel that’s unfair to them.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights has agreed to investigate the situation in Connecticut.
We have a long, long way to go before this issue is decided.
I haven’t read The Girls yet.
But here’s one review:
The survivors and those who advocate for them are the only voices telling the story. This is partially due to the fact that numerous others in the larger investigation—people who have been subsequently fired, charged or outed as having aided Nassar—refused to comment or never responded to Pesta’s requests.
Pesta also makes no effort to explain Nassar’s motivations or to locate the “man” behind the “monster.” It’s a choice that makes the book stronger, and as a true crime story, it makes a case for how these narratives can be told in a victim-centering way. …
Oliver performs in NY City and coaches at Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation — a non-profit organization that provides free and low cost gymnastics to urban youth.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Tom Meadows is one of the top age group men’s coaches in the USA at Cypress.
This is a long listen, but well worth playing in the background, if you can. His daughter is a 14-year-old Level 10 — so he addresses the problems of the American WAG program as well.
Tom feels boys and especially girls slow down to reduce injuries and increase longevity in the sport.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
One of Katelyn’s best interviews.
To the few confused people still out there — Katelyn takes ownership of her own body. Not going to listen to others to tell her what to think or what to do.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Katelyn Ohashi: ‘I wanted to bring the joy back to gymnastics’
Jessica Howard was a 3-time National Champion from Florida.
At the Ranch in 1999 she was abused by the criminal doctor.
The ranch turned out to be a nightmare. Jessica was there solely to see Nassar for a week, not to train, and she felt isolated, especially since no parents were allowed there. “It was like a prison on an island where you couldn’t escape.”
She was the perfect target for a predator …
