USA Gymnastics released the following statement regarding its decision not to send a female athlete to the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore:

In April 2010, USA Gymnastics relinquished its women's gymnastics berth for the Youth Olympic Games due to limitations for coaching credentials. Earlier this week, the International Olympic Committee sent all National Olympic Committees a clarification that allowed for additional team official credentials for women's gymnastics. While this may appear to be a solution, the timing of this decision creates challenges that make it virtually impossible to respond in time for upcoming deadlines.

Here is why.

1. USA Gymnastics officially relinquished its spot for women's gymnastics in April. Every NOC received this notification, and this change could affect quite a few countries. The FIG needs to review the current situation, its criteria and the status of countries affected by the changes.

2. The official deadline for registering teams to the Youth Olympic Games is July 10. Once USA Gymnastics relinquished its position for the Youth Olympic Games, it terminated any active selection process for the women's representative. Consequently, it is not possible within this timeframe to create and implement a selection process that is consistent with the spirit of the Olympic movement and the criteria outlined in the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.

We applaud the modifications to the credential allocation and recognize the operational challenges facing any organization when creating an event of this magnitude for the very first time.

USA Gymnastics unfortunately will not enter an athlete to compete in women's gymnastics at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games. We look forward to following the performances of our four athletes and the entire U.S. Team in this prestigious inaugural event in Singapore in August.

Comments (2)

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John Johnson said:

	The real story If you don't show up, you can't lose.
	report abuse vote down vote up

July 03, 2010
Votes: +5

Linda said:

	... What a dumb decision by USA Gymnastics. With Komova being thrown into international stardom, I bet it is regretting its decision now.
	report abuse vote down vote up

August 23, 2010
Votes: +0

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