Post-Trials Reflections: Prioritizing Gymnast Safety

Urgent Call for Improved Safety Measures Following Recent Injuries at the Olympic Trials

Jul 01, 2024

As the Olympic Trials conclude, we are left in awe of the incredible talent and dedication displayed by our gymnasts. However, we are also reminded of the urgent need to prioritize athlete safety in our sport. The recent injuries, including the heartbreaking Achilles ruptures suffered by Skye Blakely and Kayla DiCello, underscore the critical importance of addressing equipment safety and training conditions.

Nellie Kim, VP, International Gymnastics Federation (FIG)

“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.”

First and foremost, we celebrate the accomplishments of all athletes who competed, highlighting their resilience and determination. Their performances were nothing short of inspiring, and they deserve our utmost admiration and support. Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera made the women's team and are heading to Paris. Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong were named as alternates.

Yet, we cannot ignore the injuries that marred these Trials. The Achilles ruptures experienced by Skye Blakely and Kayla DiCello are not isolated incidents; they are symptomatic of a larger issue within our sport. These injuries, and others like them, have potential links to the current equipment setups, including the dynamics introduced by podium configurations. It is imperative that we investigate these connections thoroughly and address the root causes.

Skye Blakely of WOGA Gymnastics performs on floor exercise — Picture by USA Today

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MAY 18: Kayla DiCello performs a floor routine during the 2024 Core Hydration Classic at XL Center on May 18, 2024 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) — Picture by The Athletic

We call on USA Gymnastics (USAG) and relevant stakeholders to take immediate steps to implement proven safety measures, including Weller Spring Floor technology. Transparency and accountability are crucial in addressing these safety concerns. We need a commitment from all parties involved to prioritize the health and well-being of our athletes above all else.

International Gymnastics Federation (FIG)

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:

Alabama: Makarri Doggette - Torn left Achilles
Arizona: Sophia Maisel - Torn left Achilles
Auburn: Caroline Leonard - Torn Achilles
Florida (committed): Skye Blakely - Torn Achilles (at Olympic Trials)
Oregon State: Sydney Gonzales - Torn right Achilles
LSU: Konnor McClain - Torn left Achilles (at USAG Core Classic)
Kayla DiCello: Torn Achilles (at Olympic Trials)
Shilese Jones: Injured knee (at Olympic Trials)

King Bars Sports’ advanced technology offers a promising solution to reduce the incidence of 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.

Key Findings from Our Research

Superior Shock Absorption: Weller Spring Floor demonstrates a slightly lower dominant frequency (~8 Hz) compared to traditional cylindrical springs and foam blocks (~9 Hz), indicating better shock absorption capabilities.
Enhanced Energy Transfer: In terms of impulse, which measures the total force over time, Weller showed lower values. This means Weller provides better energy dissipation, crucial for both performance and injury prevention.
Superior Rate of Force Development: Weller Spring Floor produces a higher rate of force development on the downward motion and a lower rate of force development on the upward motion. This translates to safer landings, more power on takeoff, greater control over movements, and more time in the air.

Spring Floor Safety and Performance Metrics

Experts like Dr. Bill Sands and Dr. Mike Canales have provided valuable insights into the impact of equipment on injury rates. Their research highlights the urgent need for safer equipment and better training conditions. We must heed their advice and use the data available to make informed decisions that protect our gymnasts.

William A. Sands, PhD, Head of Sport Biomechanics and Engineering, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC)

“Sadly, we believe that the floor and vault board are major contributors to Achilles tendon and other injuries. 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.”

🌟 EASIER ON THE ATHLETE™
Weller Floor Features Patented Variable Pitch Engineering.

✨ What is Variable Pitch Engineering?
It works by altering the pitch of the springs within the floor, resulting in a frequency response that reduces the stress on the athlete’s body during certain movements, i.e., dorsiflexion.

🚗 An Analogy: This innovation has been likened to airbags in automobiles, which increase the impact time over which the body is stopped, reducing the force and risk of injury.

🌐 Visit us on our website and social media! Weller Spring Floor
Discover how we're making gymnastics safer and more enjoyable with innovative technology!

#EasierOnTheAthlete #GymnasticsSafety #Innovation

Dr. Michael Canales on X

We also appeal to the broader gymnastics community—athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters—to join us in advocating for safer training and competition environments. Public support for these changes is essential to drive the necessary reforms. Every voice matters in this fight for a safer sport.

Looking ahead, it is crucial that we continue to push for these changes to ensure the long-term safety of our athletes. While it may be unlikely to implement new apparatus changes in time for the upcoming Olympics, the ongoing efforts to promote athlete safety must persist. The gymnastics community has a vital role in driving positive change, advocating for improved equipment standards, and ensuring that future competitions provide a safer environment for all gymnasts.

The Trials have shown us the incredible potential of our gymnasts and the pressing need to protect their health and well-being. Let us come together to ensure that every gymnast can train and compete in the safest possible environment.

Play Safe!

King Bars Sports, LLC

🌐 Visit us on our website and social media! Weller Spring Floor
Discover how we're making gymnastics safer and more enjoyable with innovative technology!

Additional Resources

Further Reading:

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

Approved Supplier for The Walt Disney Company, Disney Live Entertainment, Walt Disney World, Shanghai Disneyland Entertainment, and Disneyland Paris.