Central Michigan University has terminated the employment of gymnastics coach Jerry Reighard, following an investigation that confirmed repeated disregard for the independent role of medical staff in addressing student-athlete injuries.
The latest incident, in February, involved Reighard attempting to influence a student to lie about or cover up concussion symptoms. A 121-page investigation report from CMU Faculty Personnel Services cites “egregious misconduct” by Reighard in attempting to undermine the university’s concussion management plan.
At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal takes an in-depth look at the toxic environment within the ultra-competitive world of gymnastics that allowed for hundreds of young women and girls to be sexually abused by those they trusted most.
All, I wanted to reach out and thank everyone who has sent me encouraging messages. I truly appreciate all of the support and prayers that I have have received! I am doing well right now and getting lots of rest! From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!
Issues like stress fractures, ankle sprains, growth plate inflammation, ACL or meniscus tears, Achilles injuries, and overuse cartilage break down are seen throughout all levels of gymnastics. These injuries all have a common overlap in being “impact” based….
On the upside, all that impact results in gymnasts having very dense bones.
On the downside, every coach needs to constantly assess the training plan to minimize the risk of traumatic and chronic injuries.
Dave has some advice.
1. Temporarily Reduce Workloads and Impact Volume
2. Diagnose and Get Medical Care Quickly
3. Be Patient
4. Manage Soft Tissue Daily (Manual Therapy and Stretching)
5. Use Ice Baths and Compression Nightly
6. Land Properly
7. Slowly Rebuild Knee and Ankle Joint Strength Following Injury
8. Slowly Rebuild Impact Volume Following Rehab
9. Correct Technical Issues (Steep Take off and Landing Short)
The other more obvious piece, although it’s shockingly not addressed, is that gymnasts simply need to stop landing short and destroying their ankles all the time. Mistakes obviously happen here and there, but the reality is that far too many gymnasts are being allowed to land very short on a daily basis. …
10. Build Leg Strength with Physical Preparation Programs
Paris Phillips of the North Carolina State University Wolfpack was diagnosed with juvenile Diabetes after her first semester at college.
Paris posted an excellent article on how she’s dealt with that medical challenge while staying in the sport. In fact, she was only off training for one month total.
Over the past few years Paris has been talking to younger gymnasts and people in sport who have been diagnosed.
… US-based athlete Clay Stephens (Illinois) ruptured his ACL earlier in the week followed by Commonwealth Games Gold medalist Chris Remkes suffering the same fate overnight at the Artistic World Cup round in Doha.
Having already competed in the recent World Cup events in both Melbourne and Baku, the in-form Remkes had made the finals of both the Floor and Vault in Doha.
Sadly, things went horribly wrong early in his Floor routine with Remkes landing awkwardly on an early pass. injuring his left knee.
Medical scans conducted in Doha confirmed the suspected ACL and meniscus injury, ending his World Cup season and his competing year. …
She feels she’s been the most enthusiastic cheerleader on a team of rah rah team-first athletes. I’m not surprised. She considering doing some motivational speaking in future.
