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“It was the most unthinkable thing any organisation could do to an athlete who had invested so much time…”
United States international gymnastics coach John Geddert blasted the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF), during an interview with I95.5 FM this evening, for destroying the Rio 2016 Olympic dreams of local gymnast, Thema Williams.
Looking on are Williams’ parents, Leon Williams (right) and Helen Adams (second from left).
(Courtesy Wired868)
The live interview was conducted at the same time that the TTGF held its own press conference at the Chamber of Commerce in Westmoorings—the latter organisation scheduled its meeting a day after the radio station.
Williams was replaced by her alternate, Marisa Dick, on Friday night although TTGF president David Marquez only informed Geddert of the decision on Saturday morning. The gymnastics board never officially communicated its decision to Williams.
Geddert, whose report on Williams’ poor training performance on Friday and sore ankle was cited as the TTGF’s reason for replacing the athlete, told I.95.5 FM that he regrets the wording of his email.
“I regret sending them a report that was incomplete,” said Geddert, “and I regret sending them the ammunition to make the decision that I think they always wanted to make…
“Thema had a disappointing practice. Athletes have disappointing practises all the time…
“You are supposed to give them an honest report of what is going on.… Now, in hindsight, it obviously should not have been.”
(Courtesy Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs)
Geddert justified his claim of TTGF bias against Williams by pointing out the board’s efforts to change the rules when his athlete initially qualified for the Rio Test event as well as its controversial decision to sanction her for a topless photo.
“They wanted to scratch her immediately (over the photograph) and then when one came out with Marisa the whole thing was dropped,” said Geddert. “I have dealt with countless associations over the years and I have never had to deal with so much drama as I’ve had in this two year period—ever.”
Geddert reiterated that Marquez did not make any meaningful effort to reach him, which was “unthinkable” for: “a decision of this magnitude with all that has been invested.”
Williams qualified for the Rio Test event by placing 59th at the Glasgow 2015 World Championships, which was 19 places higher than Dick.
However, Dick finished 55th of 61 participants in Rio to complete the job and secure a historic position at the Olympics for local gymnastics.
Dick was born in Canada to a Trinidadian mother, Hannifer.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Geddert insisted that Williams would have breezed through the Test event on April 17. Asked specifically about Dick’s chances of medalling, the coach who led the United States to gold at the London 2012 Olympics said the Canada-born gymnast had “zero chance.”
“Thema on her worst day would have easily met the minimum score that ended up qualifying,” said Geddert, “and she was in no way primed to make her worst performance. We were pacing our stallion…
“(Dick) is a terrific young lady. She is not at fault. She didn’t make any decisions (although) she may have benefitted from some decisions.
“(But) the ability to run, jump, dance… Thema is a far superior athlete and she showed it at the World Championships.”
Geddert explained that he left Rio on Saturday night to attend to a family emergency—believed to be a funeral—because he felt Williams’ legal appeals were doomed to fail.
Geddert coaches Trinidad and Tobago gymnast Thema Williams in Michigan.
(Copyright AFP 2016/Thomas Coex)
“Once we were within the 24 hour window, the game was over,” said Geddert. “There was no ability to appeal. We were will within that (24 hour period) when I got on a plane…
“She was there with her team manager (Nicole Fuentes) and she wanted to stay and she wasn’t coming home with me (to the United States). The game was over.”
Geddert described Williams as a wonderful role model for young athletes and was convinced that she would recover from her ill-fated attempt to get to the Olympics.
“She is a perfect role model for young athletes,” said the gymnastics coach. “She is smart, articulate, beautifully-spoken… I know Thema will land on her feet.
“She is a go-getter. As devastating as this may be, she is going to be fine.”
(Courtesy Wired868)
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
Cheryl you absolutely missing the point, her coach said she was injured. Can’t you understand that????
Nobody saying the board was right. Ppl trying to say the coach was the first wrong one
Why does he now regret sending the email???
Lord, He regrets sending that? He was planning to leave her there without a coach too. He sent it why? What was his motivation? If he felt NOW that she would have qualified on her worse day, why send a report saying she should withdraw???
the board was supposed to act within the law it is their actions that are at fault here … it is their action that will be tried
Sorry I will have to agree to disagree with you on that. And I am not in a position to say Marissa knew.
think it was the one on the left that he threw her under…could be wrong…
Because the coach said she was not…
Leslie-Ann Boisselle he only said that because he destroyed Thema’s oppournity, he feeling bad.
EXACTLY..He gave the shitty board an opportunity
And when their appointed physio said that she was fine why didn’t they take that as confirmation that she was okay to perform
Chandani Boodoo and Shireen Aziz Kublalsingh… Good luck trying to get anybody to understand your reasoning and logic. I trying whole week.
I still not understanding what people mean when they say “Marisa knew!”
He said that he regretted sending that
Cheryl, try to understand, The board may have erred, but the coach is to blame
He also said that if they had issues with his report it was incumbent upon them to verify. And yes I read the email. I am not saying that there is no fault to be laid at his feet. But ate you saying that the ttgf acted responsibly
I’m certainly not defending TTGF but Trinis ent even concerned about what he wrote, that started the ball rolling.
If he felt she would have qualified regardless of injury why say he asked her to withdraw????? PUZZLING!
see here … the constitution is the rule of law in this… it was breached …. the medical report evidence… the physiotherapist report evidence…. TTGF actions vaps …. which stands the test of rule of law
Leslie-Ann Boisselle did you read his email? Didn’t you find it odd that he would speak about his student like that?
If you know me, I follow you like a fan! I listened to his interview you posted..yes. he is obviously backtracking. I am not defending the Board, I am asking why would a coach tell a board that he asked the athlete t withdraw if he felt she had no trouble qualifying
That is a link to an interview given by thema’s coach – damning and candid https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgict8tsyu5y9tu/Interview%20With%20J%20Geddert.m4a?dl=0
who is this interview with?
Daryan marcel at i95
thanks
Just listened. Thanks for posting Leslie-Ann. This is so so sad. I wish her peace and strength in the face of this wickedness.
Cheryl they read too far between the lines? You accepting that from him? When I started reading the email, I couldn’t believe it was Thema’s coach. He is just trying to cover up his tracks. I hope Thema fired his tail.
Did you listen to his interview?
I also read in the coach’s email where he said that the TTGF read too far between the lines to achieve what they always meant to do…. was he lying here too
They reported after he made his initial report which he said was incomplete
Yeah, If the Physio and the doctor say she had no injury why the coach reported to the Board that she had??
I’m yet to hear anyone talk about what the wretched coach said in his email, he is the reason for Thema’s ousting!! So Cheryl that means the coach was lying?
He backtracking, he did a disservice to his charge Cheryl, when did that occur? That is the real question???
all I am saying is a medical doctor and a physiotherapist said she was good to go….
And geddert siad he asked her to withdraw due to injury…lol
Yes they are giving the coach a pass because as usual logic is out the door. Listen to the nonsense
Exactly Chandani Boodoo, hear where Cheryl reach! So Geddert says she was injured but the physio says she wasn’t, who lying???
hear nah, why are you all giving the coach a pass? That is the real question
why is the board now trying to discredit their own chosen physio
Obviously they are looking for a “fall person”.
In his report he should have said tough times but we will make the qualification, instead he said I asked her to withdraw last week!!!
All that could be true, so why say what he said? When did he get that report? That is suspect, if he ahd that why say we going on heart? Steups
There is a medical report from a renowned medical doctor who treated her and said that she was fit …. He has it…. saw it on the TV6 News
Why did he have to say no chance of podium in his report? What the hell does that mean. he is backtracking
Geddert suddenly trying to redeem himself because he didn’t think it would create such a furor.
Trinis don’t look at issues properly, they blaming everyone but the blasted coach.
I’ve been saying that on all the threads, but people can’t seem to see that. Geddert is the major reason why Thema did not get chosen. Who in their right minds will send an injured athlete, he cast doubt on his own student.
He undermined his athelete..plain and simple. Even if the board errred, he created an opportunity he is a real shit hound
I agree the coach seems to be the most dangerous person in the plot.. the timing of his DAILY report and his saying she was injured since the week before and he was thinking of pulling her out.. why mention that if you know she was fit.. he collect money, but said enough so that they could accomplish their agenda, fully knowing that they could not adhere to protocol if this coup had to succeed, so he could backtrack afterwards to look clean and playing he like his student… steups ,,JAIL !
Marwuez spoke about the athlete being injured, the TTGF Constitution says under COUNCIL..(o) to elect an Hon.Medical Officer who shall be the advisor to the Federation in matters of medical opinion appertaining to the Federation only. All he mentioned was responsibility and all that razzle dazzle.My question to MARQUEZ is..DO YOU HAVE A. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE VERIFYING THAT THEMA WILLIAMS WAS INJURED…That was the criteria which should have been presented at the news conference….THERE IS NONE and Marquez is not, I repeat NOT a medical person, that apart, the Physio emphatically said Thema was fit to perform.
That may be so, but the coach is most involved and intimate with the athlete. he sent a jackass report when he said he knew they were after his athlete..nice coaching ent?
He is bound to be truthful about the athlete under his care.
Agreed Chandani that coach is a fraud.
I cannot fathom the coach’s report! I just cannot, not making any excuses, but damn that report stated she should have pulled out, she was injured etc. Horrible, he has to shoulder blame especially if he knew, as he claimed that they were out to get her…Madness
http://www.cnc3.co.tt/sports/ttgf-holds-press-conference
Well said
“I have dealt with countless associations over the years and I have never had to deal with so much drama as I’ve had in this two year period—ever.” Welcome to Trinidad 🙁
Ah feel shame for T&T when i hear dat statement
I think he’s been in this over 30 years? So im sure he came across situations btwn associations & athletes & other coaches.
And we, lil t&t, gave him his first taste how low people can go?
….yay us. ?
I do not know where this road leads for Thema but I know we are where we are at the time we are there at all times because that is where God wants us to be at that time …. I do not know God’s purpose for Thema’s life but I know that He has a purpose for her (part of that purpose may be her poise and graciousness) ….. I know too that Satan manifests himself in many ways and through weak human and I have seen him manifested in this whole debacle ….. I am sure like the phoenix Thema will rise to her truest potential and purpose ….. That said I still want the TTGF gone since yesterday into obscurity and the TTOC to turn down that spot in the Olympics …..
Yuh writing thing to get men more upset.
What moved you from the coach’s statements?
The fact that he regrets sending those retards the honest email, the fact that he said they wanted to get rid of her from the top less pics but could not when the other athlete had similar pics…
Breds this thing just real upsetting me. I can only imagine Thema herself and the people close to her.
Margaret Rose-Goddard, Marisa didn’t get anywhere for 9 pm according to the information from the Edmonton Journal. So I’m not sure if Geddert got his facts mixed up there based on the time differences and the various stories.
There was a potential for libel there.
Yes I went back to your report on it..and saw that it is reported that she started her journey at 9pm for Edmonton.. so I pulled my last question.
what yuh think Marissa Dick’s scores were? her best? LOL
#CakeWalk
I really do not care what Marisa’s scores were because I know on Thema’s worsest (my word) day she would have best Marisa’s! LOL