LAUSANNE (SUI), August 30, 2010: At the beginning of August, Senegal hosted the third FIG coach education event within one calendar year. Last year, that country hosted a Foundations of Gymnastics Course and a few months later an FIG Academy for Artistic Gymnastics accompanied by a training camp. This year it was a Level 2 Academy for Artistic Gymnastics followed immediately by a training camp for Senegal gymnasts and coaches. All three events were held in the city of Thiès.

This Academy/Camp was funded through the FIG Development Fund for Region 2 of Africa. It was intended for the coaches of French speaking countries of Central Africa who had successfully completed a Level 1 Academy. None of the other countries except Sénégal chose to accept the invitation to participate.

A total of 18 coaches (10 MAG and 8 WAG) from Senegal attended.

The experts for this course were Josée Cyr of Canada who served as course leader and taught several women’s apparatus, anatomy and psychology; Bruno Franceschetti (the former coach of Yuri Chechi) from Italy taught all of the men’s apparatus; Ferenc Donath, the head women’s coach of Switzerland and former Hungarian Olympian taught the women’s apparatus and several theroy lectures; and Rietje Bijlholt of the Netherlands came for several days to teach artistic preparation for Floor and Balance Beam.

Josée Cyr and Bruno Franceschetti stayed to lead the training camp after the academy finished.

The best results following the theoretical and practical examinations for MAG and overall were achieved by El Hadji Boubacar Diagne. For WAG the best result was achieved by Souleymane Diatta.

Congratulations and thanks are extended to the Senegal Gymnastics Federation for hosting this successful Academy/Camp and to the Sénégal Technical Director, Léandre Forbis who due to tragic family circumstances was unable to attend even though he had done all the preliminary organisation. Special thanks go to Albertine Gonçalves who took over on short notice and was a constant presence and assistance to assure that all things went well.

Marian Dragulescu warned

Lausanne (SUI) - FIG Office, August 25, 2010: A severe warning has been issued to Romanian gymnast Marian Dragulescu for failing to comply with the procedures governing the fight against doping.

Three indictments were filed against the gymnast, namely concerning violation of a rule stipulating that a gymnast must announce his return to competition after a retirement, a communication made regarding Marian Dragulescu by his national federation on December 30, 2008. Because of his failure to comply with this rule, Dragulescu was not taken into account for out of competition testing since he was not on the 2009 FIG RTP (Registered Testing Pool) official list.

The Commission has found little or no whereabouts information for the first three trimesters of 2010.
In defiance of the rules in force, the athlete in question participated in the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in London 2009, where he took two world titles on Vault and Floor.

Marian Dragulescu, who stood alone before the Disciplinary Commission on July 30, was informed of the decisions and considerations corroborated by the FIG Presidential Commission, who pointed out a wilful negligence on the part of the Romanian Gymnastics Federation in the administrative handling of Dragulescu’s career and a failure to uphold its educational role in the fight against doping. Court costs will be paid by the Romanian Federation.

To conclude, the FIG has shown leniency to Dragulescu; however, in the event of a subsequent offence the gymnast will be subject to a suspension of one to two years.

These sanctions serve as a warning to the entire gymnastics community; education is taken seriously by the FIG and compliance with the procedures in force and the upholding of one’s responsibilities in the fight against doping is mandatory.

Version française

1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

Artistic Gymnastics
Apparatus Finals Day 2

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 23, 2010: Gymnastics fans in Singapore had a last chance to witness the Youth Olympic Artistic Gymnastics events last night at Bishan Sports Hall during the second day of Apparatus Finals. Just like they did every day so far, fans gave a rousing welcome to the gymnasts, and the atmosphere heated up quickly in a packed venue as the athletes put on a fabulous show.

While the boys battled it out on Vault, Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bar, the girls performed on Beam and Floor.

Boys’ Vault

The boys’ line-up for the Vault Final is an excellent example of universality and of what the Youth Olympic Games stand for. With gymnasts from Mongolia, Turkey, Thailand and Mexico qualified, countries with a weaker gymnastics tradition were represented, which is fantastic news for the development of the sport in these regions.

Erdenebold Ganbat (MGL) is no longer the “unknown Mongolian” he was previously referred to in the press. The young gymnast made his home country proud by winning the Gold medal on Vault at these Games! Erdenebold performed two excellent vaults and was able to better his qualifying score to a fantastic 15.662. As he revelled in the tremendously satisfying moment, the 17 year old said he had launched 'a new era for gymnastics in Mongolia.”

Turkey's Ferhat Arican followed in second place with a score of 15.650 and dedicated his Silver medal to a friend back home who was seriously injured in a gymnastics accident. 'I want to give this as a gift to my family, my friends and my coach. My friend is injured in the hospital. I want to give this medal to him,' Ferhat said.

Top qualifier Nestor Abad (ESP) added yet another Bronze to his record after finishing third on Rings Saturday. The 17 year old Spaniard said he was thrilled that his score of 15.450 had allowed him to finish among the top three. 'I felt the pride of being Spanish run through my veins,' Nestor said. 'I was lucky because the other competitors didn't do so well. They could have done better than me but I think they lacked concentration today.'

Beam

China’s Tan Sixin was first up on Beam and she was hungry for Gold, having
stood in the wake of Viktoria Komova (RUS) all throughout this competition. A top qualifier and Asian Junior Champion on Beam, Tan seemed calm, confident and focused as she performed a clean routine with high Difficulty that set the benchmark for this Final: 15.550.

Viktoria was unfortunate last night. She fell off the Beam and seemed to have completely lost her sense of rhythm and concentration after that. Clearly upset, she experienced more balance troubles and dropped off again. Her 12.000 points ranked her seventh in the end.

Viktoria’s drop back made room for others on the podium and Italy’s Carlotta Ferlito was once again a serious contender. Ranked third in Qualification, Carlotta, who had already bagged Bronze in the All-around competition and on Vault, performed with no major mistakes and her 14.825 earned her second place behind Tan.

Guatemala’s Ana Sofia Gomez Porras, who had impressed us with her performances earlier this week and who was within reach of a medal on Vault, scored 14.100. She had to accept fourth place.

The Bronze medal was picked up by Angela Donald (AUS). The young Australian appeared at ease on her favourite apparatus, scoring 14.450. 'I think I did the best I could. I added in my new dismount which helped a lot,' Angela said.
Tan had secured her first Youth Olympic Gold and Carlotta added a Silver to her record.

Parallel Bars

Oleg Stepko of the Ukraine collected his fourth medal at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, with a Gold on Parallel Bars. Oleg, who had garnered Gold on the Pommel Horse and Silver in both the All-around and on Floor, won the title on Parallel Bars with a score of 14.400. 'It's a great feeling. Two Gold medals, two Silver - it's a great performance for me. I'm very pleased,' he said.

European Junior Champion Andrei Muntean (ROU) was second with 14.150, narrowly defeating Bronze medallist Ludovico Edalli of Italy (14.100). Ludovico, who qualified last, was thrilled by his own performance and he couldn’t believe he had made it to the podium. 'I'm so happy, I didn't expect to win a medal because the level is so high,' he said. 'Before the competition I thought 'I'll do my best', and I did. You can always give more, but I'm very satisfied.'

Great Britain’s Sam Oldham had some trouble with his execution, not getting his feet straight up and hesitating on his handstand. His 14.000 placed him came fourth and out of the medal ranks.

All-around Champion Yuya Kamoto (JPN) seemed a little tired and possibly felt no small amount of psychological pressure after having won the title on Wednesday. A lack of Difficulty in his routine yielded 13.750 points, which meant rank six for him.

Girls’ Floor Exercise

The battle for Gold between Tan and Viktoria continued on in the girls’ last apparatus, Floor. Viktoria qualified first, with Tan and Diana Bulimar (ROU) tying in second and third place.

Tan’s final performance on Floor was close to perfection and a pure pleasure to watch. The dedicated and hard working young gymnast had a big smile on her face when she left the mat, knowing that she had set the bar high for her competitors: 14.525.

Tired looking Viktoria stumbled backward and almost sat down during her opening pass. She was able to recover, however, and nailed her final landing, finishing her routine with style. Her 14.175 won her the Bronze in the end. The 15 year old admitted that she may have relaxed after winning the Vault Final and Uneven Bars Final on Saturday. 'Frankly speaking, I was very tired as it's the last day that I'm competing,' she said. 'Usually I'm nervous. But since I won all Golds yesterday, today I was quite calm.'

With a fresh and entertaining style, which shows just how much she loves Floor Exercises, Diana completely won the hearts of the spectators. Her well choreographed routine perfectly matched the music and she was visibly enjoying herself on the floor. As the last performer, and knowing that she had done well, Diana walked off resplendent only to sink into the arms of her coach. Her score of 14.325 points brought her the Silver, a unique present for her 15th birthday along with applause from an enthusiastic crowd singing “Happy Birthday” in Diana’s honour.

Carlotta, who had qualified in fourth position and who presented the Floor Exercise of her life on Thursday that secured her the All-around Bronze, was given a .3 deduction for stepping out of bounds. Disappointed, she realized that she had just fallen out of the medal ranks.

Ana Sofia Gomez Porras (GUA) performed well, showing some complex tumbling passes and nice landings; very graceful and well choreographed. A lack of Difficulty slid her into fourth again (13.700) and left her without medal at these Games. But we will certainly see this talented young gymnast from Guatemala again in future Senior events!

Tan secured her second Gold! 'The fact that I didn’t win the Gold at the Uneven Bars yesterday was a motivation. I'm happy, and it was unexpected,' said the gymnast.

Horizontal Bar

The great showdown of the evening happened on Horizontal Bar! All eyes were on Sam Oldham (GBR), European Junior Champion and top qualifier, who had great expectations for this competition. The pressure increased when he fell off his favourite apparatus in the All-around Final. Sam competed first, exhibiting nerves of steel and nailing his electrifying routine this time around! 14.375 points and Gold! 'There are so many emotions going through me; relief; to know you have achieved what you were trying to achieve,' he said after his victory.

Nestor Abad (ESP), who won Bronze earlier in the evening on Vault, finished second with a score of 14.125. 'It was incredible, I was not expecting it because I only had one month to prepare. Before that, I had an injury and I was on vacation,' Nestor said.

China's Zhu Xiaodong won Bronze with a score of 14.100. 'By my standards, my routines today were nearly perfect, but Sam's performance was more beautiful, much smoother,' Zhu said.

Yuya bettered his qualifying mark, outscored by Zhu by a narrow margin. He finished fourth (14.075).

Check all results!

Gymnastics events at the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games continue on Tuesday, August 24, with Qualifications in Rhythmic Gymnastics for Individuals and Groups.

1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

Artistic Gymnastics
Apparatus Finals Day 1

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 22, 2010: Last night’s Apparatus Finals of the Youth Olympic Artistic Gymnastics competition featured five outstanding medal events. Enthusiastic spectators enjoyed an action packed evening at Bishan Sports Hall, supporting the favourites they’d spotted at the Qualifications and All-around Finals earlier this week. Eight gymnasts each competed on boys’ Floor, Pommel Horse and Rings as well as girls’ Vault and Uneven Bars, all aiming for a spot on the podium.

Boys' Floor Exercise

First up were the boys on Floor, where Ernesto Vila Sarria (CUB), qualified in seventh position, was in for a surprise! The young Cuban topped his qualifying score by .475 points and set the bar high for his competitors (14.575).

Yuya Kamoto, winner of the All-around title and second qualifier on Floor, had a hard start today. He slipped up on his first tumbling pass and finished a disappointing last. Two apparatus were left to turn things around.
Oleg Stepko (UKR) showed amazing speed, power and form in his routine, bettering his qualifying score to 14.500 points and second place behind Ernesto.
Great Britain’s Sam Oldham continued his unfortunate series from the All-around Final, stepping out of bounds and losing precious points. Still waiting for his first medal in Singapore, he finished fifth.

The last competitor was China’s Zhu Xiaodong, Asian Junior Champion on Floor and top qualifier. Zhu had missteps on certain landings and his handstand seemed a bit uneven. 14.300 points and Bronze for him; Zhu had obviously hoped for more, saying that his “target was the Gold.' 'I was a little nervous so I didn't perform to my full potential. I was way too conservative.'

Oleg collected his second Silver from these Games and Ernesto ran off with the Gold.

'I'm so happy to get the Gold,' said Vila Sarria, who believes that his win will help other gymnasts from his country. 'There are some fellow Cubans going for the Pan American Games. I hope this will give them inspiration and strength.'

After Ana Sofia Gomez Porres of Guatemala, who impressed with her 5th place in the All-around competition, Ernesto is the next junior gymnast from an emerging Central American country to shine on the international scene. That’s great news!

Girls’ Vault

Top qualifier and All-around Champion Viktoria Komova of Russia lost points in Execution as compared to her previous vaults, but she clinched an excellent 15.321 point score, leaving a considerable margin between herself and the rest of the field.

Spaniard Maria Vargas was next to surprise spectators. Qualified in fourth place, Maria improved the Execution score of her first vault significantly with a very smooth, easy looking performance worth 13.800. Her result was awarded with Silver.

'I'm very excited and happy,' said Vargas. 'I had hoped to be third and I didn't expect to win a Silver medal. I performed much better than in Qualifications.'

History repeated itself in this Final, when Carlotta Ferlito (ITA) took the Bronze (13.700), leaving Natsumi of Japan in fourth place (13.662); just like in the All-around competition.

Pommel Horse

Oleg and Sam were in for a nip and tuck race on Pommel Horse last night. They qualified in rank one and two, and had been equally eager to win the Gold. Both showed excellent performances that truly animated the crowd. In the end Oleg was a nose ahead (13.950), winning the title.

'I have no words; at last a Gold medal after two Silver medals,' said the young Ukrainian, who finished second in both the All-around and Floor Exercise competitions. 'I can't really explain what I'm feeling right now, I'm overwhelmed.'

Sam settled for Silver with a score of 13.925. 'It was my first medal here, so it really took some pressure off my mind,' he said.

A safe performance, judged 13.550 points, won Russia's Daniil Kazachkov the Bronze.

Uneven Bars

Viktora continued her medal rush, claiming her third Gold at these Games on Uneven Bars with a total of 14.525. 'I'm happy with what I've got but I wanted to do a bit better,” she said referring to a mistake in which her legs brushed against the ground as she was jumping bars.

China’s Tan Sixin, who is the reigning Asian Junior Champion on this apparatus, came in second today with 14.125 points.

Not showing too many complex skills, but with the highest Execution score of the whole field (8.450), Swede Jonna Alderteg made her home country proud, taking off the Bronze with a total of 13.550 points.

'I'm just so happy right now, I can't believe it. I qualified seventh and improved enough to finish with a medal,” Jonna commented.

Romanian Diana Bulimar, third in preliminaries, did not perform well last night; with a lack of both Difficulty and Execution she finished in seventh (12.525).

Rings

Dominating in Qualifications, Romanian Andrei Muntean seemed a little less confident last night. However, Andrei’s 14.350 was good enough to win him the Gold on his favourite apparatus. 'I don't have any words to describe my feelings right now. This is the happiest day of my life,' he said.

He outscored Yuya, who qualified second, and was back in the game after he found himself on the lower ranks on Floor and Pommel Horse. The All-around Champion added a Silver to his record (14.200).

Zhu was third in the preliminaries and wanted to go for a medal in this Final. His routine scored high on Difficulty but Zhu seemed to become more and more tired and lose concentration. His execution was not as clean as we had seen it before and he was forced to accept seventh place (13.775).

Nestor Abad of Spain was the happy Bronze medallists. This came as a bit of a surprise to everyone, but with an improved Execution score by .1 as compared to Qualifications, the third place was well-deserved. Nestor scored a total of 14.150.

'This has been a very nice experience,' Abad said. 'It feels as though I was at the real Olympics. Now all I have to do is make it there.'

Check all results here!

The second day of the Apparatus Finals conclude the Artistic Gymnastics events of the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games. They are scheduled for tonight at Bishan Sports Hall.

1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

Men’s Artistic Gymnastics
All-around Final

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 19, 2010: The eighteen All-around finalists of the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics competition warmed up to the excited screams of young fans at Singapore’s Bishan Sports Hall last night. The atmosphere heated up the moment the gymnasts entered the competition hall and IOC President Jacques Rogge, who came to the venue just to watch this Final, appreciated the fantastic gymnastic action shown by the sport’s rising stars.

During the All-around Final, the 16 to 17 years old boys ran through the six apparatus in three groups of six gymnasts, of whom the six top qualifiers were grouped together and followed the Olympic apparatus order: Floor, Pommel Horse, Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bar.

The competition promised to be exciting with top players from Japan, Great Britain, Ukraine, China, Russia and Romania all in for the medal ranks. And indeed, it was a close battle between gymnasts who show a mature technical level at a young age!

Contrasting fates for title aspirants Sam Oldham (GBR) and Yuya Kamoto (JPN) last night; while Yuya easily went through his routines without any major mistakes, Sam’s luck went bad when he finished a landing on his backside during his opening Floor routine. Nevertheless, the reigning Junior European Champion showed mental strength, fighting his way back into competition and placing second after the fifth rotation. Of all things, it was on Horizontal Bar, his absolute specialty, where Sam’s hopes for a medal were ultimately dashed. Showing off his trademark routine, he failed to grab hold of the bar and fell from the apparatus and down into fifth place in the final ranking. “My timing was off. I’m devastated,” said Sam. “I was in such shock (when I fell). I can’t believe it happened to be honest.” Sam learnt a hard lesson last night, which is part of the game. Let’s hope he can use it for gain and come back strong in the Apparatus Finals this weekend. He qualified on Floor, Pommel Horse, Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bar.

Yuya has it all to become a great champion! With the All-around Gold concluding his international debut last night, Japan’s rising star made the first move to follow in the footsteps of other world-class gymnasts from his country such as reigning World Champion Kohei Uchimura. Yuya did not only shine with style and precision on every single apparatus, the humble and polite young athlete is an excellent role model in terms of sportsmanship. With an ever-present smile on his face, he is always friendly towards his fellow competitors after his routines and shows great respect for each one of them. Yuya introduced himself to the international gymnastics scene with impressive self confidence stating, “I didn’t feel nervous at all. I was confident because I’ve been training long and hard. These two scores are the highest I’ve ever posted. I got my best results in Singapore.”

Ukrainian Oleg Stepko, who qualified third, was hoping for a coveted medal. After rotation four, he placed a mere fifth, but a fabulous routine on Parallel Bars brought him back into the game. He moved up to second place and confirmed that on the last apparatus, the Horizontal Bar. Oleg wrapped up the event with a Silver.

China’s Zhu Xiaodong seemed a little nervous yesterday, feeling a great amount of pressure on his shoulders here in Singapore. He was out of synch in this competition, dropping to fifth before the last rotation. As the saying goes, “It ain’t over till it’s over”, and Zhu showed nerves of steel on Horizontal Bar, scoring the highest mark on the apparatus last night. Zhu’s sound routine and Sam’s unfortunate fall were what landed a Bronze for Zhu.

Romania’s Andrei Muntean, a standout performer on Rings, did well in the first part of the competition, placing second after four rotations. A failed routine on Parallel Bars however, way down from what he showed in Qualification, and a moderate performance on Horizontal Bar were not good enough for him to remain in the medal ranks. He finished on rank four, somewhat disappointingly, especially since he was outscored with only .05 points by Zhu. Andrei has another chance to shine during Pommel Horse, Rings and Parallel Bars Finals this weekend.

Check out results here!

Today, the girls will be back at Bishan Sports Hall for their All-around Final. Find the start lists online!

1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

Bishan Opening Press Conference

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 15, 2010: Today, the governing bodies of two of the top Olympic sports, athletics and gymnastics, invited representatives of the media to a joint opening press conference at Bishan Sports Hall. Both housed within the Bishan sports facilities for the duration of these 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) took advantage of this opportunity to familiarise the media with the venues and update them on the upcoming competitions.

Journalists had a chance to meet with the two Athletes’ Role Models and one YOG participant from each sport, who stood by for question and answer as well as photo sessions.

IAAF Athletes’ Role Model Wilson Kipketer (DEN), who currently holds the World Record in the 800m, emphasised the many things athletics and gymnastics have in common. Wilson says that with the number of educational opportunities provided at the YOG, his junior fellow athletes would be wise to get involved, learn through their sport and enjoy life.

1997 World Horizontal Bar Champion Jani Tanskanen (FIN) is not only a great former gymnast, the FIG Athletes’ Role Model is also the Technical Director of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics at Svoli, the Finnish Gymnastics Federation, and in January this year he was elected President of the FIG Athletes’ Commission. Jani stressed that being a champion does not only mean to win, it also means handling defeat while respecting the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship.

Swedish pole vaulter Angelica Bengtsson, 2010 World Junior Champion and 2009 World Youth Champion, is keen on winning the Youth Olympic Games title as well. The cheerful young athlete has enjoyed her YOG experience so far and has no problem speaking to the media. “It’s like talking to normal people,” the 17 year old says smilingly. To improve in her discipline, Angelica actually does some gymnastics training as well and she looked great on the uneven bars, supported by Jani.

Singaporean Artistic gymnast Timothy Tay, also 17, had the honour of carrying the Olympic flag at last night’s Opening Ceremony. He is very excited about the upcoming competitions and feels honoured to represent the host country in his discipline at the very first Youth Olympic Games. “It will probably be the biggest competition of my life,” Timothy said, anticipating that the greatest challenge will be to manage his own nervous tension.

Timothy starts competition tomorrow at Bishan Sports Hall, while Angelica takes to the mat on Tuesday. We wish good luck to both of them!

SINGAPORE (SIN), August 14, 2010: The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games got off to a dazzling start on Saturday night, with the city's skyline providing a magnificant backdrop to a rousing opening ceremony dedicated to the more than 3,500 athletes in attendance from all corners of the world.
 
The 27,000 people at Marina Bay were treated to a two-hour show that showcased Singapore's rich history and celebrated the cultural diversity of the country's indigenous people and the young Olympians, aged 14 to 18, who will compete in the Games' 26 events.
 
The inaugural competition is designed to be a stepping stone for young athletes striving to compete at the Summer Olympics. And while sport will be the main focus over the next two weeks, there is a simultaneous cultural and educational programme to teach the athletes from the 204 participating countries about Olympic values and global issues.
 
"From this moment on, young people from around the world have a chance to participate in a global event that combines sport, education and culture," IOC president Jacques Rogge (BEL) said.
 
"Throughout this programme, our young Olympians will take part in activities and discussions on global and social issues as well as learn how they can make a positive impact in their community," said Singapore president S R Nathan.
 
The show was tailored for the age group it was addressing and its messages ranged from fairness in competition to combating hunger and disease and promoting world peace. It also included 54 teen-oriented multimedia videos specifically produced for the opening ceremony.
 
"It's an excellent Games. Youth is very important, they are the future of the world,'' said IOC member Sam Ramsamy (RSA). "Everything tonight made it clear about the importance of a healthy lifestyle in the body and the mind. It also shows us that friendship is more important than becoming rivals in sports."
 
"It is an outstanding ceremony. It addresses a lot of challenges the world faces,'' said Australian IOC member John Coates. "I've seen so many ceremonies but this is one of the best in terms of the age group it's addressing."
 
The opening ceremony marked the first time Olympic athletes were brought into the event early and did not march behind flags of their country. Spectators were on their feet clapping and cheering when the competitors entered from both sides of the stage of the Marina Bay venue.
 
This was followed by a thunderous display of drumming, accompanied by myriad dancers of all ages.
 
At one point, a menacing monster that represented the inner fears and struggles of everyone in attendance cast an imposing shadow over the event.
 
More than 5,000 performers, including children from 47 Singapore schools, were involved in the ceremony.
 
Throughout the show, fireworks lit the sky. More than 2,000 were used and they were synchronised to the music and shot from the crowns of various buildings around Marina Bay.
 
The result was a spectacular occasion from beginning to end.
 
It seemed appropriate that sailor Darren Choy, Singapore's 2010 Sportsboy of the Year, was given the honour of lighting the Youth Olympic flame. Choy competes in the boys' one-person dinghy event and the 32-metre high cauldron he ignited resembled a lighthouse to symbolise a guiding light that welcomes people to a safe harbour.
 
At the end, Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps (USA), who won eight gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Games, reminded the young athletes that winning was not everything.
 
"Do your best but above all, have fun," Phelps said in a video address.
 
source: YONS aa/spd/gs/mr

1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

Presidential Address

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 14, 2010: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President and creator of the Youth Olympic Games concept, Jacques Rogge, described his feelings about the inaugural Games today as “a father waiting in the delivery room”. However, he hopes staging the Games will be somewhat easier than educating his own kids, Rogge added with a smile at this morning’s Opening Press Conference in Singapore (SIN).

The IOC President is absolutely thrilled with the remarkable preparation of the Games by the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC), who had a mere 2 1/2 years to get ready from the day their bid was approved to today’s Opening Ceremony. A relatively short time period, considering the fact that organising committees of traditional Olympic Games get seven years to prepare.

No major problems have been reported so far, and both International Sports Federations (IFs) and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are satisfied with the installations. Rogge said he is pleased with the universality of these Youth Olympic Games and with all 205 NOCs being represented in Singapore.

Last night’s welcome party at the Youth Olympic Village (YOV) was permeated with a youthful spirit, while a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere got everyone in the mood for the Games.

Rogge looks at this first edition of an ambitious project as the start of a successful series that will be well observed, monitored, evaluated and hopefully improved in the future.

With some 166 countries airing the Singapore Youth Olympic Games and 25 countries covering the Opening and Closing Ceremonies live, the IOC President is pleased with Media interest.

The IOC has always understood its mission to go beyond simply organising sport events. With extensive efforts to provide education, the concept of the Youth Olympic Games includes a Cultural and Education Programme (CEP) that aims to reach out to young athletes at an age when they are still receptive to new concepts. Through the CEP, the IOC is investing in the education of its athletes, helping them to develop skills for life, social responsibilities and a strong belief in Olympic values.

When asked about the pressure these young athletes might feel at the Youth Olympic Games, President Rogge remained unaffected, stating that the competition formats have been carefully assessed in collaboration with the IFs and tailored to fit the needs and developmental stages of Junior athletes.

Commenting on tonight’s Opening Ceremony, Rogge promised an innovative show with elements that have not yet been seen at any of the traditional Games; hopefully these will put a smile on the faces of the 3,600 participating athletes and spectators worldwide.

Let the show begin!

1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

SINGAPORE (SIN), August 12, 2010: British boys typically dream of becoming professional footballers, but despite approaches from several former English Premier League clubs, Sam Oldham (GBR) decided to become an Artistic gymnast.
 
Four years ago Oldham was honing his football skills at Notts County's centre of excellence.
 
Offers from Nottingham Forest and Derby County could not entice him, however, and he opted to pursue his intertest in Artistic Gymnastics.
 
'I decided to focus on Gymnastics as I had already put so much time and effort into the sport,' Oldham said. 'I also knew I had a better chance of succeeding with it because there were already so many footballers out there.' 
 
Oldham won Gold in the Individual All-around and Horizontal Bar at the 2010 European Gymnastics Championships in Birmingham and was also a dual Gold medallist at the 2009 European Youth Olympics.
 
Oldham's success makes him the clear favourite at the Youth Olympic Games, though the disruption to flights in Europe following the volcanic eruption in Iceland in April has given his rivals an added incentive to beat him.
 
'There's a little bit more pressure from countries like Russia who weren't able to make it to Birmingham because of the volcano eruption in Iceland. They are hoping to get one over Great Britain.'
 
Singapore 2010 will not be Oldham's first taste of the Olympics. He joined Great Britain's squad for the Beijing 2008 Games as part of a programme designed to expose junior athletes to the Olympic experience. The experience proved invaluable and reinforced his goal of making the Gymnastics team for London 2012. Oldham added: 'It would be amazing to be part of that team. It's going to be huge. If I can do well here, it gives me headway and added experience for 2012.'
 
Depending on how he recovers after Singapore, coach Sergey Sizhanov (RUS) will decide where Oldham should compete next. Options include the 2010 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam and the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, both in October.
 
Sizhanov believes Oldham has a promising future in the sport. 'Leading up to the European Championships he was having problems with his wrist, but we worked through it and won Gold,' he said. 'This is just one example from his life that shows his strong character. He will do well, no matter what happens.'
 
The Men's Artistic Gymnastics programme starts at Bishan Sports Hall on Monday, 16 August.
 
source: YONS dj/yw/gr/mr

1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 12, 2010: The Olympic Flame reached Singapore last week and continues to gain ground as the Olympic spirit stirs. Many of the 3,600 participating athletes have arrived at the Youth Olympic Village, which opened its doors Tuesday at the Nanyang Technological University.

The first ever Youth Olympic Games, a creation of IOC President Jacques Rogge, will kick off this Saturday with what is expected to be an impressive Opening Ceremony at Singapore’s The Float@Marina Bay. The Games are about staging high-level competition in 26 sports while providing guidance and encouragement to the participants, Juniors from age 14 to 18 years. In addition to two weeks of top notch competition, the athletes, who will be staying in Singapore through August 27, will take part in a wide range of cultural and educational activities in a programme known as the CEP. These activities, most of them held at the Youth Olympic Village, are aimed at equipping Junior athletes with the skills to make smart and solid decisions in life. Topics such as a healthy lifestyle, the dangers of doping, the value of solidarity and fair play are highlighted in an atmosphere of friendship and fun.

“The Youth Olympic Games will give the athletes a chance to compete, to learn and to share experiences with other young people,” states Rogge. And they are meant to inspire, as they have already done. The example of 12 year old Singaporean schoolboy Wei Jei, who ran 15 kilometres in his flip flops only to get drenched in rain as he trailed the Olympic Torch on Tuesday, is inspirational and hopefully will be followed by others. Having moved many people with his passion and determination, the boy became a local hero overnight and has been made one of today’s torch bearers by the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) and Singapore’s Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.

The first Youth Olympic Games will certainly become an unforgettable event and the experience of a lifetime for these young Olympians, as well as for spectators and fans. People are getting excited as the lighting of the Olympic Flame in Singapore draws nearer.

Gymnastics events will begin on Monday, August 16, with the qualifying round in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, followed by Women’s Artistic Gymnastics on Tuesday. All-around Finals are slated for August 18 and 19, and Apparatus Finals on August 21 and 22. Trampoline Gymnastics will be held on August 20 and Rhythmic Gymnastics events for Individuals and Groups are scheduled for August 24 and 25.

André Huguenin Honorary Member (1925 – 2010) passed away

André Huguenin left us 2 days before his 85th birthday.

After having dedicated his whole life to education and to the promotion of gymnastics in his own land and worldwide, he quietly left after having especially suffered during the past months.

He lost his father after an accident at the high bar when he was still very young. Then gymnastics provided him with the necessary support to study in order to become a teacher. He put an end to his teaching career in St-Imier where he had spent several years as a school principal.

In 1942, he was 17; he started to practice gymnastics and stayed for ever a passionate gymnast. After having worked as a manager in several regional committees, he finally took up the vice-presidency of the Swiss Artistic Gymnasts Association. He collaborated many years with the “Gymnaste suisse” making contributions to the “Gymnastique artistique” section.

Very soon, he used his knowledge about gymnastics to work with the FIG. In 1973 he started to participate at the MAG TC as secretary-translator. Besides, he collaborated with 4 FIG Presidents (Charles Thoeni, Arthur Gander, Yuri Titov and Bruno Grandi) as an historian among other things.
However, his biggest footprint in the world gymnastics family is his “Livre du Centenaire” and “Objectif 2000”. He also took part in the edition of the French version of Nicolas Hadjiev “La Gymnastique artistique”. We also relied on his reflections, always relevant, while preparing the book for the FIG 125th anniversary “The story goes on…”. 

He was awarded the well-deserved title of FIG Honorary Member in 1986.
Good at providing wise advice and a scholar with deep knowledge on gymnastics from the Antiquity to the Modern Times, he was a true and deep friend. Those who have known him will remember him with full respect and consideration. We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Simone.

I am proud I was his friend. Good bye my Friend.
Norbert Bueche
Honorary Vice-President

 

Eleni Polychronidou passed away.

Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, August 04, 2010:Amazement and sorrow were expressed within the international gymnastics family about the death of Eleni Polychronidou. Felled by the illness she passed away, surrounded by her relatives, in Athens on August 3. She was 50 years old. 

Eleni’s souvenir will remain bound to her extraordinary achievements in the development of Rhythmic Gymnastics as a coach and choreographer at the head of the Greek national team. Expertise, charisma and willpower led Eleni towards the highest senior responsibilities within her Federation and the Greek Olympic Committee.

The FIG shall remember Eleni’s as a woman with a gleaming face entirely dedicated to her sport and to all those who were privileged to cross her paths. She embodied at the same time creation among her gymnasts, pugnacity at the head of gymnastics during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and smile to this life she liked above all accompanied by her friends.

Eleni is now in Olympia together with the goddesses who look so much alike her.

The entire FIG family expresses its condolences to Eleni’s relatives and friends.

1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, August 3, 2010: The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has confirmed the list of gymnasts who will participate in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) this month in Singapore (SIN). A total of 150 athletes born between 1993 and 1995, hailing from 55 countries and representing all continents, will compete in Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline Gymnastics at the YOG set for August 14 - 26.

In Artistic Gymnastics, 42 boys and 42 girls will get the chance to qualify for 18 spots in the respective All-around Finals while eight places are available for each Apparatus Final.

18 Individual gymnasts and six Groups of four compete in Rhythmic Gymnastics. The top eight ranked Individual gymnasts and the top four ranked Groups from Qualifications proceed to the respective All-around Finals.

Trampoline Gymnastics entered twelve boys and twelve girls to the first Youth Olympic Games. The top eight male and female athletes qualify for the Finals.

Shing Eng Chia from Singapore is one of the YOG participants. The 15 year old gymnast competes together with her compatriots Miki Erica Nomura, Yi Lin Phaan and Kwee Peng Ann Sim in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Group representing the host country. Shing Eng, who first started with Artistic Gymnastics at the age of eight, found her way to Rhythmic Gymnastics only two years ago. She likes the handling of the different apparatus in her sport and she is convinced that practicing gymnastics makes her feel more confident. The young Singaporean athlete looks forward to the YOG as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and she is thrilled to get to meet fellow athletes from many different countries.

Gymnasts’ eligibility

The YOG participants must fulfill some requirements in order to get their ticket to Singapore. Age limits restricts the participation to WAG and RG gymnasts born in 1995 and to MAG and TRA gymnasts born between 1993 and 1995 exclusively.

Most gymnasts qualified their country for the YOG at their respective Junior Continental Championships held from November 2009 until May 2010. Nominative entries were then decided by the NOCs.

A certain number of NOC universality places and host country places have been reserved in order to guarantee a balanced representation of the continents and participation of the host country. When these quota places were not used, the next eligible NOC from the same continent according to the results from the qualifying event was called upon.

YOG participants may not have previously participated at FIG senior competitions or multi-sport games. Besides, a maximum of one male (except RG) and one female gymnast is allowed per NOC per discipline. In the Rhythmic Gymnastics Group competition, only one Group of four gymnasts is allowed per continent, plus the host country.

Download the nominative entry lists here!

The start lists and competition schedules of the respective competitions may be looked at on the FIG micro website.

Read more about the gymnastics competition format at the YOG and the athletes eligibilty.

XXI Central American and Caribbean Games
Mayaguez (PUR), July 17 - August 1, 2010

MAG and WAG Apparatus Finals

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, August 3, 2010: The Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics competitions at the XXI Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez (PUR) concluded with the Apparatus Finals on July 29 and 30, 2010.

Puerto Rican Luis Rivera made the host country proud taking off the titles on Floor, Pommel Horse and Vault. With Gold on Rings, Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bar, All-around Champion Jorge Giraldo of Colombia was equally successful in Men’s.  A three-way tie on Rings resulted in a shared first place and Gold for Jorge Giraldo (COL), Tommy Ramos (PUR) and Regulo Carmona (VEN).

In Women’s, Mexico’s Elsa Garcia took first place on Vault and Floor and second on Balance Beam, while All-around winner Jessica Lopez (VEN) added Gold on Uneven Bars as well as Bronze on Vault, Balance Beam and Floor to her records. Nathalia Sanchez garnered the Balance Beam title and Silver on Uneven Bars for Colombia.

Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

Floor   
1. Luis Rivera    PUR  15.075
2. Santiago Lopez   MEX  14.575    
3. Alexander Rodriguez  PUR  14.450 

Pommel Horse 
1. Luis Rivera    PUR  14.900
2. Rafael Morales   PUR  14.300
3. Jorge Pena    COL  14.225

Rings   
1. Jorge Giraldo   COL  14.775
1. Tommy Ramos   PUR  14.775
1. Regulo Carmona   VEN  14.775

Vault   
1. Luis Rivera    PUR  15.775
2. Alexander Rodriguez  PUR  15.762
3. Daniel Corral   MEX  15.712

Parallel Bars 
1. Jorge Giraldo   COL  15.100
2. Luis Vargas    PUR  14.925    
3. Jose Fuentes   VEN  14.750

Horizontal Bar 
1. Jorge Giraldo   COL  15.000
2. Luis Vargas    PUR  14.925
3. Jose Fuentes   VEN  14.800

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

Vault   
1. Elsa Garcia    MEX  13.812
2. Alexa Moreno   MEX  13.687
3. Jessica Lopez   VEN  13.662

Uneven Bars 
1. Jessica Lopez   VEN  14.025
2. Nathalia Sanchez   COL  13.750
3. Monica Yool    GUA  13.075

Balance Beam 
1. Nathalia Sanchez   COL  14.125
2. Elsa Garcia    MEX  13.675
3. Jessica Lopez   VEN  13.300

Floor   
1. Elsa Garcia    MEX  14.000
2. Ana Lago    MEX  13.600
3. Nicolle Vazquez   PUR  13.550
3. Jessica Lopez   VEN  13.550

Check all results here and read more about the 2010 CACG in Mayaguez.

The XXII Central American and Caribbean Games will be held in 2014 in Veracruz, Mexico.

1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

by Adrian Stoica
FIG Men's Aristic Gymnastics TC President

For the first time in Olympic History, young people from around the world will enjoy the unique privilege of meeting together to compete in a competition specially tailored to their age category and at the highest world level. But that’s not all!

Thanks to the International Olympic Committee, they will also have an opportunity to meet other youth from around the world, to experience different ways of life, cultures and ideals in the context of a common passion – Artistic Gymnastics.

Though they will be competing in a high level competition based on fair-play and ending with rankings and medals, I believe that the primary good that will come out of the Games are the ties created between young people from every continent; a sense of mutual respect, understanding, and friendship among humankind!

How can we define these Games in a nutshell? Perhaps as “Unity in Diversity” – the unity of gymnastics within the diversity of human lifestyle around the world!

Let the Youth Olympic Games begin with joy, happiness, friendship, and excellence!

 

by Jani Tanskanen (FIN), President of the FIG Athlete’s Commission

I expect to see the fundamental principles of Olympism more evident at the Youth Olympic Games than at any other event in recent history, and better than ever before.

Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal, fundamental and ethical principles. The ultimate goal of Olympism is to build a peaceful and better world through sport.

The three Olympic values are excellence, friendship and respect. I personally feel that the single most important Olympic value is RESPECT. In my opinion, it is only by respecting (truly respecting) other athletes that one can take full credit for his own efforts and achievements.

Sports in general can prepare an individual to face a range of challenges in life. Through the practise of sport, one will learn many valuable attributes such as goal setting, strategizing, co-operation, persistence and the hard, honest work that enables an athlete to reach goals and respect others and their work.

In addition to that, during an athlete’s career (at least at an international level), an athlete will come into contact with people from other organisations. He or she will meet people working in clubs, national federations, NOCs, possibly sponsors, managers, media people and many others. These people will form a very powerful social network that can be beneficial in life after sports.