While Students Innovate, Leadership Stagnates: The Growing Divide in Gymnastics Safety
"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)
In recent months, I’ve been approached by more than one student, eager to explore the future of gymnastics equipment and how it could be made safer. Most recently, a USA Gymnastics competitive gymnast reached out while working on a project for a Foundations of Technology class. The project? Investigating Weller Spring Floors and how innovation can reduce injuries in a sport plagued by outdated equipment.
This isn’t the first time I’ve heard from young people curious about what lies ahead. In another case, a tutor contacted me on behalf of a student entering an engineering contest, seeking more information about how equipment innovations could change gymnastics for the better. These young athletes and aspiring engineers aren’t just looking to understand the problem—they’re eager to find solutions.
A Stark Contrast: Youth Enthusiasm vs. Leadership Apathy
While students are reaching out, industry leaders—the ones who hold the power to enact real change—remain silent. Governing bodies like USA Gymnastics (USAG) and FIG seem more invested in maintaining the status quo, built on long-standing exclusive supplier agreements and outdated equipment standards, than in embracing technological advancements that could protect athletes.
“Sadly, we believe that the floor and vault board are major contributors to Achilles tendon and other injuries,” said William A. Sands, PhD, former head of sport biomechanics and engineering for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee in Colorado Springs, CO. “In my view, there is a problem with apparatus design that has its genesis in a lack of understanding of the nature of impact, vibration, and energy return of the apparatus.”
At King Bars Sports, LLC, our Weller Floor, with its Variable Pitch Engineering, tackles the risks of outdated equipment by reducing peak impact forces and providing gymnasts with a consistent, responsive surface. These technologies are designed to improve performance while significantly lowering the chances of injuries like Achilles ruptures and stress fractures. And yet, despite clear evidence of the benefits, USAG and FIG continue to resist innovation.
We are dedicated to advancing athlete safety and performance. Here’s what you need to know about Weller Spring Floor:
? Endorsements: Olympic coaches and athletes, including Nellie Kim, VP at FIG, have endorsed Weller Floor for its superior performance and safety features.
? Positive Reception: Gym owners report that children love training on Weller Floor, which enhances their overall experience and performance.
? Ongoing Challenges: Despite initial interest from major equipment manufacturers like ABéO SPIETH America and American Athletic, Inc Spalding Fruit of the Loom, Inc. internal resistance and expired agreements have stalled broader adoption.
Key Findings from Our Research:
The reasons for their resistance aren’t a mystery. Exclusive supplier contracts, financial interests, and entrenched relationships with companies that profit from the existing equipment prevent the governing bodies from welcoming safer, more advanced technology. Changing the system would require disrupting profitable agreements, which is something they seem unwilling to do, even at the cost of athlete safety.
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."?
Young Athletes and Innovators Care. Why Doesn’t Leadership?
It’s time to acknowledge the disconnect between the enthusiasm for innovation at the grassroots level and the apathy at the top. While the next generation is keen to understand how they can improve their sport, industry leaders remain financially motivated to maintain the current system, despite knowing the risks.
At the grassroots level, gymnasts, parents, and coaches are paying attention. Our recent Substack post, “Who is Responsible for Gymnast Safety?”, https://bit.ly/4eaVpVN, became the most-read article in our series. Yet the leadership at USAG and FIG continues to ignore the scientific data, athlete experiences, and real-world examples of how poorly tuned floors are leading to chronic injuries.
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."
The silence from those in power isn’t just telling—it’s dangerous. Athletes continue to train and compete on equipment that was designed decades ago, equipment that fails to meet modern safety standards, while leadership looks the other way. Meanwhile, young minds are already thinking of the future, envisioning safer equipment and improved technology for the next generation of gymnasts.
A Call to Listen and Act
It’s time for those in charge to start listening—not just to the athletes who endure the consequences but also to the innovators and engineers who are eager to make a difference. We know why the leadership is resistant—financial entrenchment and long-standing supplier agreements—but that doesn’t justify the ongoing neglect of gymnast safety.
If the next generation can recognize the problem and seek out solutions, why are those at the top so resistant? The future of athlete safety lies not in tradition, but in the hands of those who dare to innovate. Let’s stop ignoring the voices calling for change, especially when they come from the athletes and innovators who care most.
Play Safe! King Bars Sports, LLC
Additional Resources:
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US Patent No.: US 7,993,244 B2 and US Patent No.: US 8,337,368 B2
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