Category: safety

World championships format

“Changes to the world championships format are needed to reduce the size and length of the competition, which is taking place over 10 days in Doha,” Watanabe said.

“It is a heavy burden on gymnasts physically and mentally, and in some cases it leads to injuries,” he said. “We have difficulties to find organisers due to huge expenses.”

… the Competition Commission in consultation with the Technical Committees is exploring the idea of using continental championships as a qualifier to compete at the world championships. …

“I understand there may be objections from the developing countries, but we must go the right way,” he said. “The world championships must be the competition for the most experienced athletes and the showcase for the Gymnastics family.”

FIG President holds roundtable with federations in Doha

I’d agree that something should be done. I’m leaving before apparatus finals myself to save on cost. 

Nush’s Beam dismount

FIG won’t allow her to slide mats further to the dismount side.

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

Recall Alan Nolet and Davide Bardana competing Flyaway double back off the side of P Bars. We were allowed to move the mats.

FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar

For us having World Championships in Qatar is a very big deal. But it’s nothing compared with football’s biggest event.

FIFA President praises Qatar 2022 infrastructure progress during whistle-stop tour

Needless to say, the choice of Qatar was controversial.

FIFA’s Human Rights Advisory Board met in Doha 1-4 October to with the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

Aside from labor law reform (which is progressing) talks included  safety and security of individuals of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

I haven’t seen news of any significant progress on that, however.

As of November 2018 FIFA nations still have many reasons to criticize the choice of host.

My best guess is that Qatar will be forced to change their laws on human rights before 2022.

Glamour Women of the Year – gymnasts nominated

One woman spoke out, another listened. That helped put an end to the abuse that lasted for more than 20 years. Meet the survivors, detective, attorney, and judge who told the world: Believe women.

The Army of Women Who Took Down Larry Nassar

Tom Forster on team finals

Tom has been posting daily updates on Facebook. We like the transparency and honesty.

Day 14 went well. 🙂

… We started the day with two line ups; one with Simone and one without in the case her kidney stone moved. I told the girls that anything can happen and we have to be prepared. We had the fourth girl warm up each event in the case Simone had to pull out. …

The USA Elite program is working. The athletes feel safe. The athletes are taken care of. The athletes are heard. The athletes and coaches are working smart.

Those that questioned if Riley should have been put on beam – YES she should have! …

read more …

USAG Tumbling Coach resigns

USA Gymnastics tumbling coach Sergio Galvez resigns amid misconduct allegations

Resignation comes days before World Championships in Russia

… pending an investigation into report filed with the U.S. Center for Safe Sport.

Galvez’s resignation was forced by USA Gymnastics board of directors and Safe Sport placed an “interim measure” restriction on Galvez for “allegations of misconduct” last Wednesday. USA Gymnastics and Safe Sport have not elaborated on the nature of the allegations.

Medvedev injured on Vault

Full tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on the table pushing for this excellent vault. It’s a ligament critical for elbow stability.

Click PLAY or watch it on Instagram.

 

bullying made Dom Cunningham stronger

Watch the interview on BBC.

Call out bullies every time you see it happen. Take ethical action.

Worlds opening Press Conference

FIG makes history hosting Worlds in the Middle East

FIG President Watanabe thanked Ali Al Hitmi, Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee, for his courage in hosting such an important event.

Actually, the media event started off with a laugh. Watanabe had arrived in Doha just in time. But security wouldn’t let him into the venue. They insisted he go get his credential first.

All agreed strict security is a good thing.

Watanabe spoke in English. He thanked media for coming to Qatar.

He first visited for Asian Games 2006. At that time our sport was not much developed. Watanabe considers it a miracle that only 12 years later the sport has come so far. Qatar has 3 competitors (2 MAG, 1 WAG).

I’ve been to the Gym here several times over the years. Ali Al Hitmi deserves much of the credit.

Aside from sport, I’m optimistic that bringing the world to Qatar will help advance the cause of human rights.

Svetlana Boginskaya unveiled the Worlds medals. In fact, Al Hitmi put a gold medal around her neck. She liked it. Very heavy!

chalking Bars at Worlds

Heart this on Instagram.

Between competitors China used towels on the mats to catch chalk.

Finished now, I thought the team looked better than expected. Calm. Ready. Beautiful form. The weak apparatus is Floor. Vault looks great.