Trinidad pays Thema Williams

I happened to be there when news broke that Canadian-born gymnast Marisa Dick would replace Thema. It was at the Olympic Test Meet in Rio.

We were surprised as Thema had looked healthy during Podium Training โ€” in a striking gold leotard. No observable problems.

But her coach at the Games was John Geddert. He told the Federation Thema wasn’t ready enough. Trinidad had to fly the replacement in from Canada. Last minute.

FORMER national gymnast Thema Williamsโ€™s four-year battle for compensation, for the โ€œbiased and flawedโ€ decision of the TT Gymnastics Federation to pull her out of the 2016 Olympic Games, came to an end at 2.20 pm on Thursday.

That was when the federationโ€™s bankers, Republic Bank Ltd, delivered a cheque for $223,800.19 …

On November 26, 2018, Seepersad ruled Williams was entitled to $200,000 for loss of endorsements and other opportunities because of the federation’s โ€œbiasedโ€ and flawed decision to withdraw her from representing this country in the 2016 Rio Olympics. …

Gymnastics Federation pays Thema Williams damages

Federations must have clear selection policies. And enforce them.

The ONLY good news from this disaster was that Marisa had a good competition. And did qualify Trinidad to the Olympics.

@WGC2022 Fan Zone

Just outside the competition venue.

Free.

Looks great.

Mรฉlanie – Bars

Awesome.

She’s competing Liverpool with her French coaches.

China at Worlds

Click over to this Instagram account for videos of China at Podium training.

Yulo ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ (PHI) – Floor

I’d say the 2019 World Champion is the favourite in Liverpool.

Of the top guys, he has the best form. And Carlos is unhappy unless he sticks EVERY landing.

Click PLAY or watch some Podium training on YouTube.

more MAG Podium highlights

FIG will compile a medical report from Liverpool Worlds.

In it they will record what percentage of athletes left the competition due to injury.

Gymnasts were injured on day 1, including one of the H Bar favourites โž™ Tyson Bull. A lower back injury on H Bar.

But I felt there were fewer injuries than at past Worlds. MAG Vault landings were less horrific than in the past. Hopefully athletes are better prepared than in the past to survive a Code of Points where difficulty is so much more rewarded than quality. Hopefully.

MAG Gymnastics is really dangerous.

Nina is awesome on Bars

Nina hasn’t competed internationally this year. Yet looks ready to contend for the Bars title.