By FRED STURRUP, NG Associate Editor

The success of the Chinese gymnasts during the recent Beijing Olympics has brought new focus to the sport. Millions of youngsters around the world now aspire to be like the young Chinese lasses, in particular, who were so extraordinary in Beijing.

In The Bahamas, Nassau Nastics, the foremost gymnastics organization in the country, has been doing a fantastic job in training young Bahamians, affording them quality competition and projecting the sport. Barbara Thompson and her colleagues have worked untiringly to develop athletes and future citizens of this country. Two of the group, namely Simone Hall and Tenille Thompson, have applied themselves so very well to the sport that they have advanced into the coaching category. That speaks to the substantive, comprehensive program operated by Nassau Nastics.

With the elevation of these 14-year-old young gymnastics stalwarts, Nassau Nastics is tapping into an area of development that is essential in Bahamian sports. There has always been a big concentration on developing athletes while at the same time, a serious lacking in creating appropriate coaching/training forums. The way of the sports world today is to ensure that coaches and trainers are properly fortified to mentor athletes. In The Bahamas, our coaches/trainers across the board have not been upgraded in step with our athletes.

Generally, the sporting organizations have not made sure of this.

Nassau Nastics though is making a statement in the persons of Thompson and Hall. Recently, the young coaches demonstrated their knack for teaching the sport by working with a group of 20 students. It was a breakthrough occurrence for the sport of gymnastics in the country.

The demand on Hall and Thompson will be great as they seek to hone their own gymnastic skills while training others. The view though is that the added dimension they have committed to will be advantageous for them. In essence, their own training and conditioning will intensify. On top of the routines they go through normally will be the extra work they get when physically demonstrating to their students.

It's a plus for both Hall and Thompson. Being the only level nine gymnast in the country however does put Hall on the fast track to Olympic qualification. The more work, the better for her. Presently, the focus for qualification to participate in the London 2012 Olympiad is on Hall. Functioning in the coaching arena as well will certainly enhance her overall growth as a competitor.

Hall and Thompson are congratulated for their advancement into the coaching ranks. Their dedication and hard work ought to be emulated not only by other gymnasts, but by their sporting peers throughout the country.

Best wishes to Hall, Thompson and Nassau Nastics.