Jordan Chiles lived through the Olympic dream and nightmare, all in one season. One moment, the world watched her crying and stepping up on the podium to collect her bronze in floor exercise. Next thing, the medal is being taken away in an avalanche of appeals, technicalities, and bureaucracy. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) ruled that her coach’s score inquiry came four seconds too late. Yet she continues to fight back in the hopes of getting back what is hers. But this now is no longer just about Chiles; it has brought forth a global pattern.

Recently, another group of gymnasts has stepped forward to fight the system. Three Ukrainian gymnasts, Nazar Chepurny, Volodymyr Kostiuk, and Ivan Rudi, have stepped forward to make some controversial allegations. The three went on to call out the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation for canceling their trips and blocking opportunities. This problem comes in because the restriction placed on Ukrainian athletes in 2022 was, in fact, removed earlier this year. So, the entire facade of barring them? Well, the jury is still out on it for now. However, here’s the thing. The buck does not stop here; yet another one joins the list of problematic associations in gymnastics.

Hong Kong gymnasts fire shots!

All cameras to Hong Kong! Ng Ka-ki, a gymnast who has represented Hong Kong in the Asian championships, has come out to reveal the realities of gymnastics. “We may not be a popular sport, and the problems for us are insufficient equipment and venues,” said Ng. This was a heartfelt cry from an athlete who wishes to do better but lacks resources. So why is there a lack of resources?

It looks like there is some issue brewing with the allocation of funds! The Gymnastics Association of Hong Kong is officially under the watchful lens, as the controversy is about as big as its budget. So, what exactly is going on? Well, despite receiving HK$11.6 million in public funding, gymnasts in Hong Kong seem to be struggling with “seriously inadequate” facilities. Can you imagine gymnasts training without proper equipment in a Tier A sport?

That’s the grim reality at the Shun Lee Tsuen Sports Centre. And the same is shown in the performances of not just Ng but Hong Kong gymnasts in general. For example, the city’s only 2024 Olympian, Stone Shek Wai-hung, finished 14th in the vault. For women’s gymnastics, Angel Wong Hiu-ying, who was in the limelight in 2012, is still the last big name. Gymnasts like Charlie Chan Cheuk-lam rarely make it past qualifiers. And juniors?

Many don’t stick around, drawn to sports with better resources. On one side, the athletes are frustrated. And on the other hand, when the media (the Post) tried to investigate the root of these problems, they faced a cold shoulder. The association, led by Ukrainian head coach Sergiy Agafontsev, refused interviews, citing language barriers. Even parents of junior gymnasts backed out, allegedly because of pressure from officials. So, what do the officials have to say about the allegations?

Meeting allegations with a cold shoulder, too!

While the allegations themselves are shocking, the association’s response has managed to bear it. Instead of addressing the lack of facilities or coaching, Hong Kong officials have decided to blame the athletes! The Gymnastics Association of Hong Kong’s Executive Director, Albert Ng Tsz-kin, has come out to say that the athletes just aren’t tough enough when it counts!

In Albert’s words, it is not about “insufficient training or a lack of technique.” But rather, “it’s about adjusting their mindset to compete during competition.” It is evident that the officials seem to be banking on young athletes like 14-year-old Eric Kwong Kai-yin and 16-year-old Amber Ward to save the sport. But will they get the support they need? Or do even juniors have to bank on inadequate resources to win?

Well, as the association sees it, the numbers don’t lie. Hong Kong gymnasts can hit 90% of their practice vaults. “But whether they have what it takes to replicate those jumps depends on the particular moment during the competition,” added Albert. Blaming athletes for institutional failures is a tough look, especially when those athletes are fighting against the odds. So what happens next?

Well, that’s the big question that looms. Gymnastics worldwide seems to have become a pot of controversy. The sport’s governing bodies seem to be under scrutiny. Athletics are speaking out. Will those in power finally listen? Or are they destined for more heartbreak, controversy, and lost potential?