FIG posted the official write up of our week long MAG Academy Level 1:
For the second time, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) organised a joint Olympic Solidarity-FIG Academy in close collaboration with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Solidarity Programme (OS). The Gymnastics Federation of Saudi Arabia hosted this event on June 4-11, 2014, in the capital city Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia became the 57th FIG member federation to host an Academy. …
Twenty-one coaches attended the Academy. Twenty were from Saudi Arabia and one from Yemen. …
The highest results were shared by Hashem Alhashem of Saudi Arabia and Ebrahim Alabdali of Yemen. The third best result was achieved by Maki Almobireek of Saudi Arabia. …
read more – Saudi Arabia joints list of FIG Academy host countries
The exam in Academy Level 1 is challenging, including detailed anatomy and biomechanics. Half the course is Theory, half Practical.


The National Training Center in Riyadh is an excellent facility. Men’s Artistic Gymnastics only, however.
I was pleased to be asked to assist course leader Chris Evans of Great Britain at this one. He’s done many Academies in many disciplines going all the way back to Academy #2.

In the Kingdom everyone stops 5 times a day for prayer. Conveniently in the Riyadh gym, coaches and gymnasts use the Floor Exercise mat.

a few more photos




