Fujitsu video analysis at Worlds

For the first time, the system will be officially used in an FIG competition as an additional tool for confirming difficulty scores on four apparatus.

Specifically, the superior jury – the judges who oversee the competitions – will have the possibility of recourse to the judging support system to review gymnasts’ exercises in cases of inquiry or blocked scores on the Pommel Horse, Still Rings, men’s Vault and women’s Vault. …

The Fujitsu support system will be used by the superior jury in addition to the Instant Replay and Control System (IRCOS), the video replay system used by the FIG in Artistic Gymnastics since the 2005 World Championships. Both systems present significant benefits for the review of gymnasts’ exercises. …

The FIG sees significant potential in the technology developed by Fujitsu, not only in the matter of judging, but also in the future for education, coaching and training. The data provided might help to enhance gymnasts’ movements or correct body posture, and thus aid in lowering the risk of injuries.

FIG

A Press Conference is scheduled later in the week.

Steve Butcher confirms that the time-of-hold technology used several times in the past is part of the Rings software. Judges won’t see that data here unless a routine is appealed.

Fujitsu is scanning gymnasts in several poses in advance of the competition. This is being done in a public place with plenty of people around. No doubt they are worried about privacy and transparency.

Gymnasts can opt out, if they choose.

trampolines in a hurricane

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.

Carly reflects on quitting Gymnastics

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

Once upon a time I was a Gymnast: Why Quitting is Sometimes the Best Thing

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2mG5fElfgz/

Russia could be banned from Tokyo 2020

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. …

Axios

Who can compete WAG? MAG?

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.

Abigail Pesta’s The Girls

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. …

Abigail Pesta’s The Girls Succeeds by Solely Giving a Voice to Sexual Assault Survivors—Not Their Abuser

street acrobat Oliver De La Rosa

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 interview

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.

Katelyn Ohashi – ESPN interview

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.