Category: safety

racist incidents at SEMO

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.

 

Sacramento State on Black Lives Matter

One of the clearest statements, so far.

NFL players: “I am George Floyd”

NFL stars send passionate video message to league about racial inequality

Players insist they ‘will not be silenced’

Click PLAY or watch it on Instagram.

NFL believes Black Lives Matter

For many Americans, football is religion.

This statement from Commissioner Roger Goodell is important. 

On the other hand, no apology to Colin Kaepernick.

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.

Dianne Durham speaks

Dianne Durham was the first Black American All-Around Women’s Gymnastics Senior National Champion in 1983.

She was one of Mary Lou Retton’s strongest competitors in 1984 but was injured during Olympic trials.

Like this on Facebook.

The President of the United States Gymnastics Federation starting 1983 was Mike Jacki who’s recently made controversial statements online including that there is “no racism in sport“.

 

physical preparation for injury prevention

Dr. Keith Russell is one of the smartest Gymnastics people I know

A former Canadian Men’s National Coach, personal coach of Olympians Warren Long and James Rozon, Keith is expert in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and sports injury.

This is the first of a series of FIG Education online seminars organized because all regular FIG camps and clinics have been cancelled due to COVID-19.

One of Keith’s recommendations is to do fewer reps in our yearly training plans by working more strength / power and less muscular endurance. Especially for advanced gymnasts.

I recall Dr. Bill Sands stating a high level gymnasts should be able to complete all their strength / power training in about 30 minutes / day.

I like Keith’s simple graphics that help explain complex issues – knee ligament injuries, for example.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.  (53min)

Here are some upcoming webinars.

click for larger version of this screen grab

Tia Kiaku quit Alabama

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.

UC Davis’ Alexis Brown interview

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:

Black Lives Matter

 
The Chancellor made a personal support of the protests.

tumbling at GAGE

What I like best about the Great American Gymnastics Experience facility in Kansas City, Missouri are the super safe home made mats.

As we return from COVID-19, most Gyms are training with matting on their foam cube pits. These on top and protecting the pit edge at GAGE are ideal. And easy to clean.

Click PLAY or watch it on Facebook.

Utah on protests against racism

I’ve seen dozens of messages from gymnasts, clubs, organizations and Federations.  All wanting to be part of change for the better.

Here’s one from the University of Utah.

Some organizations are blacked out today in support of protesters.

Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.