MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 12, 2009: In a recent editorial, the President of the FIG Medical and Anti-doping Commission Dr Michel Léglise drew the attention of our readers to the dangers of hyperextension.

More recently and in a different context, Dr Léglise explored the pitfalls of doping, condemning the use of diuretics such as Furosemide; his two-fold message targeted coaches and athlete support personnel.

In Mie, delegations were invited to participate in a mini-symposium to explore how this issue affects the daily lives of gymnastic professionals.

Three speakers took the floor: Dr Michel Léglise, President of the Medical and Anti-doping Commission, spoke on “Doping and Furosemide”; Keith Russell, President of the Scientific Commission, addressed the issue of “Health Risks in Hyperextension”; and Hardy Fink, Director of Education and the Academies, focused on “Coach Education”.

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde!

Furosemide (its generic name) is a diuretic found under a variety of commercial brand names, depending on the country. It is prohibited both in and out of competition and is listed as a category 5 masking agent on the FIG-WADA List of Prohibited Substances. In and of themselves, diuretics are not considered doping substances, but they can mask other substances such as anabolic steroids, or make them difficult to detect. Unfortunately, diuretics are often used dishonestly, illogically, even dangerously in athletes looking to lose weight by eliminating water.

The only advice we can give gymnasts is to always ask a competent individual whether or not a substance is listed, and how harmful it is.

Did you say aesthetic?

As public opinion would have it, the contortionism seen in certain exercises is not as appealing as one might think; and survey says that it isn’t giving Rhythmic a good image. What’s worse is that elements of hyperextension are having a negative impact on gymnast health, particularly where normal joint movement, such as in the hips and spine, is compromised.

Proof in hand, health professionals are outraged by this dangerous tendency, and are calling for caution and prevention. More than just a medical quandary, coaches should consider it an ethical and moral dilemma that hinges on a basic respect for their athletes.

Gymnastics by definition has nothing to do with the sensation of show business, circus acts or the magic of fascinating choreography. You can’t compare apples and oranges.

Prevent, clarify, educate!

Montesquieu had a point when he declared that the people ought to be enlightened. The world of sports is not so different from the political realm: you need to know what you’re about. And it is in this mindset rather than one of dominating authority that the FIG intends to wield its educational programme to prevent, educate and safeguard gymnast health long-term.

As it develops, the human body requires constant care. There are stages that must be scrupulously respected. In a frenzy to advance too quickly into highly complex routines, and turning their backs on natural growth and development, athletes run the risk of sacrificing their health for a swiftly-earned medal.

And those athletes might someday find themselves wondering if when they flipped, they didn’t end up with the wrong side of the coin.