Like it or Not, Federations’ Conflict of Interest Causes Injuries
"The future development of gymnastics is a complex and complicated process. Part of it involves new technique for elements and creation of new skills. But human abilities are limited, and therefore, we need new, modern gymnastics apparatus, which would help gymnasts perform new skills and at the same time provide safety.” - Nellie Kim Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG)
Governing bodies USA Gymnastics and the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) continue to mislead the gymnastics community by claiming that their ‘exclusive supplier’ agreements prevent them from adopting innovative technology. This approach prioritizes financial interests over athlete safety. In reality, the opposite is true—these federations ignore technology that could prevent severe injuries to preserve these exclusive agreements. The notion that such agreements should block technological progress is irrational and serves only to protect their financial interests.
To sustain this faulty business model, they are withholding crucial safety and performance data because their revenue depends on selling outdated equipment. If it were widely known that their equipment is improperly tuned for gymnastics, it would jeopardize their entire model. In other words, these federations have a proprietary interest in their ‘exclusive supplier’ and face a massive, undisclosed conflict of interest where adopting safer equipment would cause financial distress. They can’t afford to update the sport’s equipment.
As a result, athletes are left to endure widespread, severe, high-impact injuries like Achilles ruptures—injuries that could be prevented if the truth about equipment safety were shared.
This represents a deliberate failure to protect the athletes they are meant to serve, as they knowingly suppress critical information that could enhance athlete safety. We’re advocating for full transparency and a shift toward safer, more innovative equipment. It’s time to demand accountability from those responsible. Athletes deserve better, and change is long overdue.
Gymnastics Injury Epidemic: A Call for Safer Equipment
The latest injury updates from College Gym News paint a concerning picture of the current state of gymnastics safety. Numerous athletes across various college teams have suffered severe injuries, including torn ACLs, Achilles ruptures, and other debilitating conditions. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for innovation in gymnastics equipment to better protect athletes.
Updated Injury Highlights
King Bars Sports' advanced technology presents a promising solution to mitigate these severe injuries. Providing proper tuning, and enhancing shock absorption, energy dissipation, and overall stability, King Bars Sports’ technology provides a safer training environment for gymnasts.
Demand Change. Ensure Safety in Gymnastics.
The NCAA is acutely aware of our technology. In 2012, then Head Coach at UCLA, Miss Val, and Assistant Coach Chris Waller, ordered two Weller Floors after experiencing four Achilles injuries among their athletes in just three seasons. They passionately promoted Weller at every opportunity, advocating for change and inspiring other NCAA teams to consider alternatives to the status quo.
However, our efforts faced resistance when AAI intervened to maintain their monopoly on the market.
Olympian and Coach Commentary
Justin Spring, USA Olympian, 2008 Team Bronze Medal
“Weller Spring Floor gives a softer feel and the impact seems much less without giving up any bounce from the floor. These springs make a significant difference on take off and landing. They really are incredible.”
Amanda Leigh Verhaeg, Coach
"Anyone who's had athletes tumble upon, or even simply stepped foot upon a Weller Spring Floor can feel the difference in responsiveness. I can tumble my kids over a 3 Day "Make it Right Camp" on a Weller Spring Floor and no shin splints or severe flare ups. We come home to a Palmer spring floor- I can't do half the volume."
Jonathan Horton, USA Olympian, USA National Champion, World Championships, AA Bronze Medal.
"After experiencing Weller Spring Floor at a competition, I really felt a difference in not only my performance, but the type of impact the floor had on my legs. I can be very picky about the type of floors I like to tumble on, and I loved how the new springs made me feel so bouncy and how it absorbed my landings so well."
Scott M. Weller, Founder and Inventor, King Bars Sports, LLC
"Our Weller Spring Floor utilizes advanced tuning and materials to distribute forces more evenly, significantly reducing the harsh impacts athletes endure during high-intensity routines. Recent Olympic events highlighted the consequences of inadequate equipment, with athletes, including Simone Biles, facing unnecessary strain and injuries. While elite athletes are often praised for pushing through pain, with better equipment, we can ensure they don't have to."
Speak up for athlete safety. Ask your gym, your federation, and your community: Why isn’t modern equipment, designed to prevent injury, being adopted? Share this article, start conversations, and demand transparency from the organizations responsible for safeguarding athletes.
Together, we can create a safer environment for gymnasts. Scan the QR Code or visit bit.ly/WellerBlog2024 to learn more and join the conversation.
Play Safe!
King Bars Sports, LLC
Additional Resources:
For further insights and ongoing updates on gymnastics safety and equipment innovations, check out these posts:
Check back on the website version of this post for updates and additional content.
US Patent No.: US 7,993,244 B2 and US Patent No.: US 8,337,368 B2
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