For the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the gymnastics governing body (FIG) will adopt a second qualifying event in additional to the current world championships to qualify gymnasts, FIG said in Stuttgart on Monday.
The second qualification for Olympics is required by the International Olympic Committee in order to provide a second opportunity for athletes who, for reasons such as injury, were unable to participate in the only qualifying competition -- the world championships.
This second opportunity is one of the issues up for debate by the FIG executives, who will deliver its conclusions to the Council, the entity with the authority to approve changes to the technical regulations.
The concept of an Olympic dream implies the manner in which an athlete qualifies for the Games. For years, FIG criteria hinged on participation in and qualification at the world championships the year preceding the Games, as foreseen in the technical regulations.
IOC participation conditions also prescribe that the Olympics are open only to the best, with particular consideration given to geographic location to allow for representation by all continents as well as the host country.
For Beijing Olympic Games, the twelve best national teams of the Stuttgart Gymnastics Championships (women and men) qualify. Additional individual gymnasts (from national teams that are not qualified) will be traveling to Beijing with a "wild card" according to the separate FIG admission.
It's heart-stirring news for athlete like double world champion Marian Dragulescu of Romania, who just was announced to stay away from the world championships for back injury.
If Romania men's team failed to reach the top 12, he is possible to be ruled out of the Beijing Olympic Games under the current qualification system.
Of course the wild card method is also a good way for top gymnasts like Dragulescu to have a chance in the Olympic Games.
The same process will be required for rhythmic and trampoline gymnastics.
(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2007)
