Category: safety
racist incidents at Florida
Reporter D’Arcy Maine put together a summary article on the fallout from complaints by Kytra Hunter and Kennedy Baker.
Former star gymnast Kytra Hunter says racism complaints ‘fell on deaf ears’ at Florida
Jenny Rowland organized a video conference call with the team to discuss the issues.
And the team posted a statement.
celebrating diversity at UCLA
One thing I’ve always admired about the Bruins is the racial diversity of their teams.
It’s difficult to get data on racial bias in judging, but it should be easy to compare NCAA teams for diversity.
Click PLAY or watch it on Twitter.
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.
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.
