A Gymnastics Blog
Archive for December, 2009
And so 2009 comes to a close…
Dec 30th
2009 was the year of many things; our clubs new state of the art premises, our largest equipment purchase, I worked with the most talented gymnasts I’ve ever worked with in my own club and then watching them progress to another group and move on from me – these are only the highlights of 2009, there are many other great things that happened throughout the year.
The beginning of the 2009 – 2010 season brought me a new group, who I love working with – they are each so unique and different but collectively are the most fun gymnasts I’ve worked with in a very long time. They have a lot of talent and it’s gradually coming out and they are showing themselves that they are fantastic gymnasts. We had our first competition together a few weeks ago, an International friendly and one of my girls won a 1st place medal on Vault which was excellent. They and I will have 2 weeks off over Christmas, I hope they enjoy it as much as I do and are looking forward to starting back in January and are wondering what 2010 will bring to us. Happy New Year to you all! 
Chinese Gymnasts Heard
Dec 22nd
Those of us involved in gymnastics will remember the age controversy surrounding Chinese gymnasts Yang Yun and Dong Fangxiao at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. FIG has posted an update on the situation in the news section of their website.
In the context of the disciplinary proceedings involving Chinese gymnasts Yang Yun and Dong Fangxiao, suspected of having violated minimum age requirements for participation in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the FIG Disciplinary Commission invited the two athletes to appear with representatives from the Chinese Gymnastic Association at a hearing held at FIG headquarters, December 19 – 20, 2009.
Note that a legal statement issued by the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) confirmed the FIG as the authority competent to conduct a full investigation; it fell to the Federation to examine the case and draw its own conclusions as to whether or not the age limit was violated and which subsequent sanctions will be issued.
After an extensive interview with the two parties and witnesses present, the Disciplinary Commission, composed of Mr Rached Gharbi (TUN), President, Ms Margarida Dias Ferreira (POR) and Marc Schoenmaekers (BEL), will submit its recommendations to the FIG Authorities. A decision will be brought at the next Executive Committee meeting, scheduled for February 26, 2010 in Lausanne (SUI).
Strengthening Body Shapes
Dec 11th
Another great video from Tony Retrosi. I tried these techniques with my girls and was very surprised at who wasn’t able to perform them correctly!!
“Letters to a young gymnast” – Nadia Comaneci
Dec 8th
I recently bought “Letters to a young gymnast“, a book by Nadia Comaneci. It just arrived today so I’ll be snuggling up in bed to read it tonight. I must be honest and say that I have not read many gymnastics books that aren’t directly about coaching. I have read Chalked Up by Jennifer Sey, I enjoyed the read.It was interesting to find out how gymnasts conducted themselves and the lengths they would go to to achieve their dreams goal, even if compromising their own health.
I’d be interested to know what other coaches, gymnasts and even outsiders views are on the various gymnastics books you have read and of course I’d appreciate any recommendations you might have!
Smiling
Dec 1st
It’s one particular thing I love about coaching. I love seeing the gymnasts smile. My groups are doing really well lately and achieving some great new things. I love seeing them smile and be happy to achieve something great. Well done girls, I’m really proud of you!
