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Thema Williams’ coach, John Geddert, has slammed the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation for its supposed irrational decision in withdrawing Williams from the 2016 Rio Olympics Test Event, which will take place tomorrow on Sunday April 17.
And, more relevantly, Geddert insisted that Williams is physically fine, despite the fact that the TTGF used a report from the coach as justification for axing the former St Joseph’s Convent (Port of Spain) student.
“I wish to say that portions of my report were blown out of context and exaggerated,” stated Geddert, in a email that was leaked to Wired868. “Therefore when I said ‘podium was a disaster’, this is to be taken in the context of several athletes who performed on that day.
“In fact the reason for this was—and this is not limited to Thema—as she was getting used to the lighting, podium, ceiling height and other acclimatization factors. The rationale for the podium is to have the athlete acclimatize themselves to the competition arena.
“This ‘6 falls’ reason singled out by you to pull her is irrational in my respectful view. Furthermore, Thema went on to perform an almost flawless routine on the bars…
“I now confirm that the doctor has cleared Thema to compete in the circumstance using her good judgement as the determining factor. I, as Thema’s coach, require that she continues to represent the country.”
Geddert trains Trinidad and Tobago gymnast, Thema Williams, at his gym in Michigan.
(Courtesy Desert News)
Geddert’s claim is likely to form part of a legal appeal by Williams, which will aim to reinstate the gymnast by tomorrow morning. At the moment, the TTGF has given her place at the Test event to alternate, Marisa Dick.
Wired868 will provide more details of the appeal shortly.
The following are the emails exchanged between Geddert, who led the US women to gold at the London 2012 Olympics, and TTGF president, Marquez:
(From coach John Geddert to the TTGF)
At 7.24 pm on April 15: …Podium was a disaster with 6 falls on 3 events. She has been dealing with a sore ankle to the point that I asked her to withdraw last week. She assured me she can do this.
We have been limiting all pounding and landings yet today she showed little signs of being able to perform well. We will rest tomorrow and rely on heart…
(Courtesy SPORTT)
(From TTGF president David Marquez to Geddert)
At 12.27 am on April 16: Good Evening John, Please note that I tried calling you at the hotel and on your cell numerous times but all went to voicemail.
Your e-mailed report you sent to Frances earlier tonight has caused great concern for our Federation. Your comments about pulling Thema a week ago because of her injury but allowing her to make the call seems it was not the best of judgements evidenced by your description of day 3: “Podium was a disaster with 6 falls on 3 events.” At this level, this is totally unacceptable.
You went on further to explain that: “We have been limiting all pounding and landings yet today she showed little signs of being able to perform well.”
What this says to us John it is that Thema will not perform well at this competition due to her injury. This is a country place and as a federation we must do what is best for the country, i.e. ensuring the best athlete represents the country.
Dick placed 14th with a total of 51.25.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
As a result, the Federation has unanimously decided to pull Thema from the test event. Arrangements are being made to have the alternate Marisa Dick compete.
We do suggest that Thema be taken to the meet physician to report on the extent of her injury. We would appreciate a copy of that report.
As a Federation, we know this is hard for the athlete but the facts are clear, she is just not at her best due to an injury that should have been reported to the federation earlier. Again we have to do what is best for the country which is to give us the best chance to qualify for the Olympic Games.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Respectfully,
David Marquez – President
Trinidad & Tobago Gymnastics Federation
(Courtesy Thema Williams)
(From coach John Geddert to the TTGF)
At 5.17 pm on April 16: Dear TTGF, I write to you in response to your email sent on Saturday 16th April, 2016 at 12.27 am. I wish to say that portions of my report were blown out of context and exaggerated.
Therefore when I said podium was a disaster, this is to be taken in the context of several athletes who performed on that day. In fact, the reason for this was—and this is not limited to Thema—as she was getting used to the lighting, podium, ceiling height and other acclimatization factors.
The rationale for the podium is to have the athlete acclimatize themselves to the competition arena. This ‘6 falls’ reason singled out by you to pull her is irrational in my respectful view.
Furthermore, Thema went on to perform an almost flawless routine on the bars. I reiterate that my statement in my report “we have been limiting all pounding and landings” is normal (…) during the preparation period leading up to an important event (we used the same strategy going into World Championships).
(Copyright AFP 2016/Andy Buchanan)
I say this as her coach knowing the intent, purport and weight that this carries. I do not limit it to my words. I now confirm that the doctor has cleared Thema to compete in the circumstance using her good judgement as the determining factor.
I as Thema’s coach require that she continues to represent the country. I also continue to rely on my earlier email sent on the 16th April 2016 at 12.57 pm.
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So they lied and sent out a false release in their statement. Why are they hell Bent on destroying this girls career? Something is fundamentally wrong here.
Wow! I was hoping for the best 🙁
Lasana Liburd Don’t see why he would leave before she was due to perform. Unless he couldn’t get a flight out afterward or he’s accepted she won’t be performing. Do you know what time she’s due to perform?
I think the article says that he was upset about the death and the funeral is tomorrow. It didn’t give a timeframe tho
What a mess …..
Is that not the same Blue Shue who has gone to Rio to coach Marisa? I hope he used his own money because is forensic inquiry criminal charges jail and becoming someone’s concubine for them yes
The death of his daughter’s boyfriend apparently. I was told he asked to leave yesterday but I didn’t get proof of his request.
Still waiting to see what other info is at hand.
So the real question is what is their real problem with thema? It seems like its something personal that happened. Lets find out
Why did he ask to leave Lasana?
It was unrelated due to the death as mentioned.
The coach asked to leave even before he knew or responded to Thema issues though.
1962, 1970; we still have to go through this stress
What?!
This is a tough one. The coach’s email suggest that Thelma’s injury was affecting her ability to perform well. He was hoping for a miracle. The TTGF’s decision to pull Thelma was a bit hasty, and should have been done only after a meeting with her coach and doctor to get the facts of the matter.
To a degree, it isnt so tough as you and most of us can agree their was a lack of common courtesy from the association. Manager and athlete learned of change from athlete’s mom. Smh
Brian Jordan – yes. Fully agree. The final decision might be the right one, but the process that was used is highly questionable and inappropriate. And this is made worst when there’s already a public perception that Thelma is not the TTGF’s favorite to represent the country.
another version of a local wicb!!
Have you signed the petition yet? Just go and sign it to ensure an injustice is not perpetuated and our T&T and our limited resources is not squandered ……. Because somebody will have to pay damages exemplary damages and legal fees ….
Do you have a link to the petition?
will bring it
shared it …. if it is removed you can find it in Speak out T&T
If we both agreed about foreign athletes representing T&T there would be no debate and it is moot to even believe you can separate that fact from any debate on what is taking place right now! I have no problem with foreign based athletes
Just out of curiosity… Do you have a problem with foreign coaches as well? Like Beenhakker for example?
Chabeth Haynes No! there is a difference between representation = national pride … That question is moot because it is like asking if I have a problem with attending foreign universities
But coaches are part of the team though. And they “take a spot” that could go to a local coach.
but they are not on the field of play flying the country’s colours … there is a difference between teaching and doing …
Oh ok
and quite frankly Berthil St Clair and Gally Cummings did better than any foreign coach ever did
Unbelievable this TTGF board, seems to be ready to jump at anything to remove Thema
What a mess! A full investigation by an independent third party is needed, and let the cards fall where they may.
In his third and final report to the TTGF, on the day before the competition, Geddert says he suggested that Thema withdraw?
Why didn’t he tell the TTGF he suggested that on the day that he suggested it? He didn’t think the TTGF would be bold enough to replace Thema at the final hour? Was that fair to Marissa?
They’re playing games on both sides…
And I’m not sure anybody here can speak with any great degree of confidence as to when the game playing started or why…
I agree no one can speak to the facts or the actually motives on either side. But the actions of the TTGF in removing her without first speaking to her coach or even her stinks of a breach of natural justice and a denial of a right to be heard. Procedure could kill something even if there is justification.
This is a tale of two females … one a hardworking patriot and the other an equally hardworking but self serving opportunist … So Miss patriot worked her butt off from the age of 6 and based on her hard work gained recognition for her country. Miss Opportunist work equally hard from who knows when but her country was already recognized and filled with much better athletes. Miss Patriot was led to believe that her hard work dedication patriotism and desire had paid off but wait Miss Opportunist missed her mark and was not chosen to represent the country of her birth because she was not good enough by their standards and she is not better than Miss Patriot. I worked real hard even came up with this vulgar sounding move…. I deserve recognition for it ….. Here’s what I will do …. Discredit Miss Patriot get her disqualified and slide into her space by default claim nationality by default and showcase myself not my nation .. No national pride nothing so noble just my self serving ‘hunger’ for recognition and possibly endorsements =ing $$ …. To be continued because I am sure there are those who feel they can tell a better story..
Well they both have a right to represent the country. Let’s start from there dispassionately.
Afiya France this is no longer about representing a country … for the life of me I can’t understand why people are burying their heads and buying into that crap
I think the comments from Thema’s coach were very damaging. Labelling something a disaster and saying you suggested withdrawal a week ago and there has been no improvement? That from the coach? I would think replacement is an appropriate step.
But I agree the TTGF has tainted itself with the handling of this matter and so everything it does now would be seen through a dirty lens.
Having said that however, the TTGF did attempt to contact Geddert via phone and was unsuccessful and there was a 17 hour time lapse between when the TTGF sent its response to Geddert and when Geddert responded. Really? In this day and age? And Geddert’s 5:17pm response actually seems to come after the deadline for submitting any changes. All curious facts to me.
And let’s not forget that time was of the essence too for Marissa and whoever was to accompany her. Rio isn’t right there for anybody travelling from Canada or Trinidad and Tobago. I would expect that Marissa’s ticket was bought before Geddert’s 5pm response.
I do wonder what the first two reports said and the subsequent exchanges because the TTGF did not attempt to pull Thema following those.
somebody told me a long time ago .. Money talks and bullshit walks … Why believe anything Geddert or TTGF say … This whole sordid affair reeks of FIFA … From the minute the photo of Thema surfaced ….
Cheryl Gibson, you’re addressing a completely different issue from the one that my initial comment addressed.
I don’t share your view on foreign based and foreign born athletes however I did have a problem with a picture that Marissa posted talking about her heart belonging to Canada. Most people here did not seem to share my view.
In any case, can you address your issues with foreign born/foreign based athletes in a totally new comment thread. Just so that we don’t jumble the conversation and have the opportunity to fully vet all the issues that may arise from this situation. Thanks.
The whole damn thing is about colours and entitlements … But is T&It’s reputation that is being sullied FIFA again by a different acronym. Somebody has a lot of money that they want to give Thema I hope the persons making the decisions have their own bank account and not expecting T&T to pay for their tata
There’s something off about this. Knowing the fraught relationship between Thema and the TTGF and the high stakes involved why didn’t he give the details in his last report that he gave in the response to the TTGF pulling Thema? Then he turned off or was apart from his phone. Sounds irresponsible unless parts of the story still missing
Well for sure parts of the story are missing! On both sides. That I accept. That’s the case for most things anyway. The issue right now is was it unfair or not I think. In this case, unless other facts come to the fore. The decision is unfair for a lack of fair procedure in my eyes. And there is an looming improper motives issue in light of the manner of the decision and the surrounding facts
This reeks of stink. Smdh!!!
They probably want a cut
So, I have already indicated to her legal team, that I am ready to fund her, no matter the cost. This CANNOT be allowed to happen. #IforThema!
Another group of useless people pretending to act in the best interest of our athletes. Why do we seem to have more than our fair share of these idiots??!!!!
Is the TTGF becoming another WICB???
They are already like the WICB. No longer becoming smdh
Two different organisations. Look at the make up.
You know I articulated this whole sordid affair a while back … Marisa did not make the Canadian team and she thinks she is entitled to be showcased at the Olympics because she came up with this move. So which country has the weakest representatives.. So knock out Thema even though she did better than her and is ranked higher as well. But there was furor and Thema has support .. So let us wait until the 11th hour and axe her and replace her with Marisa … Those people real stink and nasty..
What evidence do you have to come to these personal conclusions? Do you have knowledge that hasn’t been reported? I read the e-mail exchange. Contrary to what the coach said, I thought the TTGF gave a rational accounting of their actions. They’re right. This is a country spot and Thema Williams isn’t entitled to it either.
Jennycomelately go back to the beginning .. Doh come in at the end and try to question me go back to the start when they tried to blacklist Them a … And I read the email too but I also heard what the coach claimed yesterday
Cheryl Gibson What are you talking about? 1. I have been following the story. 2. The only thing that matters at this point in time is the coach’s last report which did say she wasn’t performing well and would have to rely on “heart”. If it was Thema alone she could tough it out, but there’s another athlete equally hungry for the opportunity.
Know what CYA means? Sounds like what the coach might be doing after that final report blunder.
Backstabbing opportunist who feels entitled.. Let her go on her own not as a representative of Trinidad and Tobago Thema paid her dues this one only fighting her down because she has some dickmove that makes her feel entitled .. Go fight to represent Canada
Cheryl Gibson Obviously you’re basing your conclusions on emotion and not actual evidence of anything. Marisa Dick has as much right to represent T&T as Thema Williams does.
Cheryl Gibson I should add that I think Thema is the better gymnast – when she is on her game.
So why you talking about ‘hungry’
Thema flew her colours from the get go not as an after thought
And you are in no position to determine that I am being emotional .. Just calling a jack a jack ..
So I feel I have a right to represent Africa because my great grandparents were brought here … I have a right to represent India because my other set of great grandparents came from there .. My grandmother was had a commonwealth passport and so did my mother so I figure I have a right to represent England too
Cheryl Gibson If your mother is English you actually would have a right to represent England at the Olympics ?
But wta!!! These people are beyond rediculous!!!
Nah man. How could they dream to decide to remove her without first speaking with the coach. This screams of unfairness.
We need a petition to tell Ministry of Sport to stop funding the TTGF. This is outrageous!
But the coach’s report though…ah mean. I’m not sure how he can say it was misconstrued. He said he told her to pull out so how else is the federation supposed to look at it? And now she’s declared fit? I don’t get this entire bacchanal.
Hmmm….
Was waiting for something like this to happen. They were on a mission to send Dick regardless. She should take them to Court.
Was waiting for something like this to happen. They were on a mission to send Dick regardless. She should take them to Court.
Regardless of the outcome they have already messed with this young lady’s head way too many times. My heart goes out to her. Stay strong Thema. God doh like ugly.
https://youtu.be/_w_AqGwan6c
This is so disgusting..
Lasana Liburd I am so annoyed by this. Why are playing with this young woman’s future!
Coach to blame. Reading his initial email would give any reasonable person pause.
If there is cause for pause, any ‘reasonable’ person would have seek clarification by communicating with Thema’s coach to assure understanding, setup a joint meeting and together decide next steps. Simple. Instead we have all this hoopla typical of T&T leaders… Always quick to show how is in charge and who had power.
If they had pause then TTGF should have called a meeting clarify and assure there was no misunderstanding. Then together with the coach and Thema make the decision to replace her or not. Their haste to replace gives cause for concern. TTGF decision is typical of leadership in T&T… purely substandard, ineffective and reeked with favoritism.
Nah man. How could they dream to decide to remove her without first speaking with the coach. This screams of unfairness.
A decision had to be made quickly to get the alternate to Brazil. As it is she’s going to get there with hours to spare. The alternate should have been there from the start, along with a TTGF representative to monitor the situation. I guess they couldn’t afford that.
It just seems that they were waiting in the wings to make that decision. It seems oppressive, like a tarantula brooding over its victim. The procedure was off. Even if they can rationalize the decision, all the facts surrounding ( from the start of saga to now) brings into question the TTGF’s motives.
The coach even asked to leave early!!!!
hmmmmm
Serious investigative journalism! Real good work.
Here we go again. It’s what I have been afraid. Poor decision making, failure to engage Thema Williams and her coach in the process, failure to provide guidelines and set performance expectations, failure to objectively oversee Thema’s performance and what might be the worst factor… favoritism!
There we go these stupid f***s
i really need to keep myself out of this… why is there no mention of a doctor up to now. A Injury requires a doctor to declare her fit or unfit… what happened to that?
BOOM!! – same thing I’ve been saying.
I’m sorry Mr Geddart, if you are right you screwed this up royally with that email…
if i had gotten that mail i would have put on the same overdrive….
as TTGF did… i’d weighed the financial implications of forfeiting or flying in someone else….
The Empire strikes back
Geddart now saying he exaggerated and she fine…
Wda?
Therefore when I said ‘podium was a disaster’, this is to be taken in the context of several athletes who performed on that day. Question, a) you connected in your email that disaster to her injury, even mentioned that you suggested to her to withdraw. b) if that was a exaggerated term, why using it in a mail to people that you know are looking for an excuse to replace her? Sorry, but that shoe seems to fit on your foot….
This is getting muddier and muddier!!! A result of the stupid manner in which they handled the photos, I am sure. SMDH!!
Not sure any adult in this situation is being completely honest about anything…
WTF!