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 Former French Olympic gymnast Georges Guelzec will take over as president of the European Gymnastics Union (UEG) on Jan. 23. Guelzec defeated former president Dimitrios Dimitropoulos of Greece on Nov. 7, 2009, 24 votes to 22. A native of Nantes, France, the 62-year-old Guelzec has experienced gymnastics at every level. After 10 years on the French national team, including appearances in European (1969, 1973) and World Championships (1970), as well as the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, Guelzec worked for 35 years as a coach at La Nantaise. Guelzec was also an international judge and held positions within the French Federation and the UEG. He was vice-president of the UEG since 2003. Following are excerpts from a recent interview with Guelzec conducted by Danielle Duchoud of UEG Press Services. Does the present top level gymnastics correspond to your own perception? Top level gymnastics is in constant evolution and has to respect the codes and the regulations of the International Federation of Gymnastics. Much was achieved with regard to the improvement of the apparatus, for example, the vaulting table, as well as to the technical competence of the coaches. I would like to see gymnastics more oriented towards the artistic side and the perfection of the movements, as well as a better enhancement of the all-around gymnasts. Is it not true that the UEG has, in some ways, its hands tied as gymnastics is mainly managed … by the FIG? The composition of movements as well as the technical regulations are certainly under the control of the FIG. The UEG, however, like the other Continental Unions, is free to create new competitions and/or competition formats. 2012 will be the year of the London Olympic Games. In Beijing, Europe was a bit behind the Asians, in particular. Can we expect a reversal of this situation? I hope so. I remain very confident. Moreover, I will make all possible support available to the national federations so that they can realize their best performances. As vice-president you actively took part in UEG events, had always excellent relations with the media and understood their needs. As president, what do you intend to do to strengthen this sector? Our sport is difficult to understand, for the media as well as for the spectators. It is important to improve the means of communication by making funds available for the events and competitions. I see two possible ways. To give targeted information to the spectators in the hall and to the television viewers. The second way concerns TV. Upcoming Dates: 2010 European Championships for Men (Jr. & Sr.): Birmingham, England, April 21-25. 2010 European Championships for Women (Jr. & Sr.): Birmingham, England, April 28-May 2. Comments (1)
Gisela Bader
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... congatulation George, i am sure he is able to realise his best for European Gymnastique. I hope he will be succesfull to create a new harmony between east european federations an the west ones. Good luck, bonne chance George Gisela |
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