?Truly Heinous?: Days Before World Gymnastics Championships, French Federation Receives Fan Fury for Major Decision Involving Formerly Banned Athlete

Kaylia Nemour, a 16-year-old gymnast, recently received approval to represent Algeria internationally. The decision to change her nationality was a lengthy battle that almost jeopardized her chances of competing in the World Championship. Nemour was a rising star in French gymnastics, securing titles such as the national all-around, bars, and floor champion in 2019. She also secured the uneven bars championship in 2021.

The French national champion was on track to potentially make the French Olympic team for the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, in 2021, she suffered from osteochondritis, a knee joint condition that required extensive surgeries. The athlete had nearly a year of rehabilitation. After her personal doctor cleared her for training and competition in 2022, Nemour faced an unexpected obstacle. The French national team doctor, who had never examined her, refused to grant her clearance, completely putting her gymnastics career on hold. It was only when she and her coaches explored the possibility of a nationality change, imposing the gymnast’s Algerian heritage, that they found a potential solution.

Kaylia Nemour in the middle of drama with coach

Nemour’s request for a change of nationality was approved by the International Gymnastics Federation on July 23. However, the French federation initially refused to release her. This meant she would have to wait a full year before being eligible to represent Algeria at FIG-sponsored competitions. Which also includes world cups, continental championships, and world championships. The timing of her release made it challenging for Nemour to participate in this year’s world championships.

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The qualifiers for these championships took place in the spring. Missing these qualifiers would have meant missing the world championships and a spot in the 2024 Olympics. However, there’s an additional challenge for Nemour. Her coach has been unable to transfer his FIG license to Algeria, and it appears that the French Federation is obstructing this process. This means that Nemour may have to compete at the world championships without her coach’s guidance.

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Fans react to Nemours’ situation

Recently, a page on former Twitter “The Gymternet,” shared a tweet about the ongoing dispute over nationality and transfer issues that continues to cause problems within the French Federation.

Despite facing limited international competition opportunities over the past 10 months, Nemour managed to represent Algeria at the Arab Championships, where she won the gold medal on bars and contributed to Algeria’s team victory. She continued to gain experience by representing her club in France’s Top 12 league series and consistently achieved victories. Kaylia Nemour’s determination and talent continue to shine as she pursues her gymnastics dreams on the international stage, representing Algeria.