Books bring better balance to the floor

One of China's foremost gymnastics coaches has backed a plan to incorporate more academic lessons into training schedules with a view to improving performances on the floor.

Speaking at a training camp which employed such a system in Wuhan, Hubei province last month, two-time Olympic champion Deng Linlin explained: "General knowledge courses can make young gymnasts think in a more comprehensive way and strengthen their ability to cope with pressure.

"In the past, gymnastics was regarded as a painful, tiring and even boring thing. But now the General Administration (of Sports in China) advocates 'happy gymnastics', which takes the sport back to its natural roots."

Over 130 budding young gymnasts from across the country took part in the 10-day camp on Nov 29 as China ramps up its search for medal material for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

"It's an excellent way to train young, talented gymnasts. They can compete with and learn from each other," said Deng, now the team coach of central China's Anhui province.

She added that setting short and long-term goals also equips youngsters to improve their technique.

The camp features practice sessions on the floor, theory classes and seminars with experts from the fields of both gymnastics and psychology.

This year a general knowledge course was added to the schedule, with youngsters responding well to the classes.

"In the long run, the combination of training and general knowledge education will create a self-sustaining cycle (of positive development in the sport), which will lead naturally to the emergence of talented gymnasts," Deng said.