"In its present form, competitive artistic gymnastics is still too traumatising for athletes. We must radically change the training methods and strike off the calendar all junior competitions without delay." This statement, made on October 12 at the Gymnastics African Championships by FIG President and IOC Member, Prof. Bruno Grandi, will surprise only those who refuse to acknowledge the facts. The tone has been set and reforms are sure to follow. Too often, gymnasts, particularly the younger ones, are over solicited and frequently train excessively. Young gymnasts want to be like the older more mature and experienced ones, doing the same exercises, using the same speed, taking ill-considered risks, often with the thoughtless approval of their coaches. The taking of risks and a lack of experience lead to traumas. If results are not seen quickly enough, an athlete will quit gymnastics prematurely, tired and discouraged.

President Grandi has frequently observed and verified this phenomenon. As a former national coach himself and Professor of Physical Education, he knows what he is talking about. He recommends the Age Group Programme; a progressive system of gymnastics instruction, appropriate for the various age groups. The FIG has made use of this programme but for a short time, but the programme is enjoying increasing appreciation from teaching specialists globally. Competitions must be also organised based on this principle, of matching gymnasts of the same age having reached an identical technical level of mastery. In this way, step by step, age group by age group, young athletes are progressively and gently guided towards the more complex movements while mastering technical aspects and the risk factor. Then champions are those whose spectacular performances are founded on solid, assimilated experience.

President Grandi furthermore and unequivocally recalled the democratic nature of the Age Group System. Respecting the norms within a category places everyone on an equal footing. This is particularly true for federations without the financial resources to recruit foreign experts. The psychological gain of the system is also significant in that gymnasts are aware of their progress, rather than seeing their careers unwisely ruined on a beam for having tried too quickly to be like the best. President Grandi intends to present this message this Friday to Executive Committee members and to the delegates participating in the next General Assembly in Athens (GRE).

fig/philippe silacci