NCAA College Gymnastics Looks Perfect—Until You’re Inside It

[RedBirdie]

Not the sort of thing we typically see on CGN.

The public sees packed arenas, perfect tens, glitter-covered leotards, and teams chanting unity slogans, but some athletes and former coaches tell a different story. For them, it’s a story of people being celebrated publicly while feeling silenced privately. These stories reveal the painful truth behind college athletics; because in the NCAA, it’s not all glory.

Parker: College Gymnastics Looks Perfect—Until You’re Inside It - College Gym News

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[cuuf]

Eh, a little sensationalized writing. I think only the most naive truly believe that gymnastics or any sport played at a high level is all unicorns and rainbows. No doubt, like any sport, when there is a power dynamic of coach/athlete, and the stakes are high, with job security, there are going to be situations that some individuals will cross lines. But to put such a blanket statement "the painful truth behind college athletics....." implies that everyone has this horrible experience, or it is at least the norm, which is just not true. ,

 

[KristyJ]

Certainly the examples they list are awful and likely show that others will have had a similar experience, but I do also agree that the generalizations feel like they are sweeping. I wish they'd offered more analysis on what drives the bad cases and potential alternatives to the norm.

 

[cuuf]

I have heard plenty about Howard that creates more questions about allegations. She is not unsullied in this story.

 

[Amber]

Do tell….

 

[ugadawgkat]

There are egregious things that happen / have happened in gymnastics that should definitely be reported. What actions in this article includes any of these? Most of the complaints in this piece sound like typical team dynamics and discipline. Some of this stuff even sounds like sour grapes by a gymnast who transferred and a coach who was probably fired and who "should have reported" but "can't recall..."

The whole section about Howard being "forced to medically retire" sounds way overboard. Her statement, "If it weren’t for those girls choosing not to take their fifth year, my career would have been over,” is proven false as her career certainly wouldn't have ended because it obviously didn't when she transferred to another school.

Howard is stated in the article to believe that, "the coach-athlete relationship is supposed to function on trust and communication, even with gymnasts who are HARDER TO COACH". Sounds like she is referring to herself here. Hmmm... I wonder what actions make an athlete "harder to coach"?

It's interesting that this article was written by a former Georgia gymnast who transferred and it's mainly about a former Georgia coach who probably got fired and two former Georgia gymnasts who chose to transfer.