N° 63 - Lausanne (SUI), July 2012

Let the Games commence!
 
Dear friends,
 
With the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXX Olympiad just days away, my thoughts turn to the athletes, and more specifically, the gymnasts who provide the FIG with its very purpose.
 
First, I would like to spare a thought for those who will not be present at London 2012; those young men and women who have given the very best of themselves, and sacrificed everything in pursuit of Olympic success, yet who, unfortunately, have fallen just short of achieving their dream. I am talking about those gymnasts who failed to qualify, or whose hopes of participation were cruelly dashed by injury. For them, the emotions will be ones of disappointment, dejection and perhaps even despair.
 
For these gymnasts, I have nothing but admiration and sympathy. As a former gymnast myself, I understand all too well what they will be going through.
 
Then there are other young men and women who, by contrast, are inspired by the certain knowledge that they will be competing at the Games, and who are motivated by the possibility of winning a title or a medal of one hue or another. I wish them all success, but above all, I would like to offer them one last piece of advice. As Pierre de Coubertin, the man responsible for reviving the Olympic Games over a century ago, once said: merely participating at the Olympics is in itself far more important than any other achievement. So, to all of the gymnasts at London 2012, I say: use this unique experience to grow and improve, so that you return even better than you were before.
 
I also have some important advice for those other key protagonists who will represent our sport on the Olympic stage - the judges. I know just how difficult their role is. Having once served as a judge myself, I know all about the pressures, the stress and sense of isolation that a competition of this magnitude can bring. To them I extend my solidarity, but I also call on them to appraise the work of our gymnasts on its merits, to the exclusion of all other considerations. My message to the judges is this: our athletes are counting on you to exhibit fairness and competence. They are going to give the very best of themselves. We must not let them down. It is our collective duty and responsibility to ensure we do not, and I know I can count on your loyalty.
 
Next, I would like to pay tribute to the national delegations for the support, investment and time they have devoted to their gymnasts throughout the course of their Olympic adventure. What they have achieved is magnificent and I sincerely hope these Games will live up to their every expectation.
 
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the Olympic Family for the welcome that they always extend to our gymnasts. They can be sure that our athletes will, as always, endeavour to do full justice to this wonderful privilege that has been accorded them.
 
And now... let the Games commence.
 
With best wishes,
  
FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE GYMNASTIQUE
Prof. Bruno GRANDI, FIG President