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As expected.

North Korea was disallowed to compete at Worlds in Rotterdam because, over the years, they had registered one of their gymnasts under 3 different birthdates.

On Oct. 11th the PRK appealed.

That appeal was just now denied:

… Indeed, the arguments and explanations provided do not justify a reconsideration of the provisional decision made by the President of the FIG Disciplinary Commission.

Consequently, the suspension, which was announced on 6 October 2010, will not be lifted. The Gymnastics Association of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (PRK) is not allowed to compete at national and international levels. …

This comes via email from FIG Press Operations.

#gymnastics2010

From Men’s podium training in Rotterdam …

Defending World Champion Kohei Uchimura from Japan is injured. This confirms a fear we had yesterday when he was conspicously missing from training.

International Gymnast Magazine on Facebook tells that he’s had shoulder problems since July. He attempted some Rings in podium training. No go. But he did a full routine on H Bar. And had no problem tumbling. Likely he’ll not be doing the all-around. Likely Japan will not be able to challenge the Chinese in the team competition, now.

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js

Romania’s star Dragalescu is having problems, too. He vaulted … but not near his usual quality. And he struggled tumbling, facing double double.

We talked to Fabian Hambüchen and his father coach last night. The fabulous one still looks like a kid, yet his first World Championships was 2003!

As we knew in advance of the meet, Fabian‘s only doing 4 apparatus due to injury.

#gymnastics2010

A favorite for the all-around title at the world championships in Rotterdam, rising star Aliya Mustafina can be a handful in the gym, Russian head coach Alexander Alexandrov said.

Mustafina, who turned 16 on Sept. 30 is stubborn and prone to tears when things don’t go well in training, he said.

“The girl is very talented, but with a difficult character,” Alexandrov told a Russian newspaper in Rotterdam. “However, you don’t find much complacency among champions.” 

read more – Amanda Turner on International Gymnast – Alexandrov: Mustafina High Maintenance

Note that Amanda has no link to the original Russian interview on that post.

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js

The Khorkina “diva” school of successful psychology? … I’m very surprised to see that on this talented Russian team. Thinking back to the ultra-disciplined Soviet teams of the 1980s … they need another Shushanova. Or from the 1970s, Tourischeva. Super stable. Super tough.

Russia is beatable in Rotterdam.

related – Aliya Mustafina Online

Backward layout 2½ twist, punch double front. … Slow motion at 1min 30sec.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Talented. But shockingly sloppy.

This is the young guy from India whom the Indian Federation deemed not good enough to send to World Championships, even though he medaled on Floor and Vault at Commonwealth Games.

Like most everyone else, I’d never heard of Ashish before the Delhi Games. And expected that India could not contend for medals. Yet this young kid was quoted as saying that he was disappointed with Silver and Bronze. He planned to WIN both apparatus.

That the psychology Wayne Goldsmith talks about in a Sports Brain post – The W – Word: Winning.

If you’re going to compete, plan to win.

related – TV news feature – Ashish Kumar creates history

(via Aunt Joyce)

Breaking in new grips, she tells.

The Canadian gymnast from Oakville is psyched. Podium training went well and she’s looking forward to the big show: WORLDS.

Coach Kelly Manjak confirms that Jessica’s teammate Peng Peng Lee has medical clearance for full training. Expect to see her at Elite Canada. Peng Peng is also in talks with NCAA programs. Gym fans can look forward to her competing College, one day.

related – Gymnastike interview with Savona

Kim Yu-Na is the is the 2010 Olympic champion in ladies singles figure skating.

Congratulations.

The award was announced by the Women’s Sports Foundation, a U.S. organization.

http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js

She’s hired Peter Oppegard, after splitting with former coach Brian Orser.

(via Aunt Joyce)

#gymnastics2010

Is Spanny Tampson in Rotterdam? This SPOOF Russia video has some truth to it.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

(via Big Fake Smile)

Here’s the real deal. The official USAG podium training highlights video for team USA.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

I like it. No commentary. No background track. No fluff. (Even Aunt Joyce calls USAG cool, for once.)

The States has their full media team here, updating as rapidly as possible. They’ve posted video interviews of each of the girls on YouTube. See them on the USAG Video page.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Thanks Ryan.

UPDATE: Funny comment on Aunt Joyce:

Anonymous said…
He Kexin is finally eligible for Worlds!! She looks great!

#gymnastics2010

Marta Karolyi still smiling.

see more photos on Gymnastics Examiner. All were taken by Brigid, the Couch Gymnast. (There’s some blogging incest happening here.)

#gymnastics2010

Press release by email from Philippe Silacci of the FIG:

On October 01, 2010, the FIG has initiated a disciplinary procedure against the Gymnastics Association of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (PRK) and their gymnast Ms. Hong Su Jong for alleged age infractions and false registrations.

The President of the FIG Disciplinary Commission in charge of this case has taken immediate action and provisionally suspended the Gymnastics Association of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (PRK) and their Gymnast Ms. Hong Su Jong, as of 6th October 2010 for a period of 30 days, due to the fact, that three different years of birth have been noted for this gymnast.

11th October, the Gymnastics Association of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (PRK) has filed an appeal to the FIG Appeal Tribunal against this decision.

As foreseen in the FIG Code of Discipline, the appeal will be judged by the President of the FIG Appeal Tribunal within 5 days.

Too late, I’m assuming. They will not qualify teams now through to World Championships 2011 nor Olympics 2012. Even if they win this challenge to the ruling.

And … in this appeal … what will Hong Su Jong’s actual birthday be listed as: 1989, 1985 or 1986?

On the FIG site it’s still listed as 1989.

UPDATE: press release posted on the FIG site