Interview: Gymnastics can be made entertaining like NBA, says FIG Vice President

ch the spectacular gymnastics, but also a good show," said Corn in her office at Guangxi Sports Center. "Like in NBA games (basketball league), there are entertainment elements to let the audiences all engaged. In gymnastics, we can also use videos and other instruments to let people know how they cheering and what is the sport all about. That's something we have to work on," she added. From Nanning, it can be a good start for the change. The 4,000-seat venue were always fully packed during the past four-day competitions. "Here, by using the video, some of the engagement of audiences are good," said Corn. SAME STATUS AS ATHLETICS Track and field has an nickname as "the mother of sport". Corn believes, gymnastics also has the same and important role. "They are all fundamental sports, like pillars," said Corn, referring to the athletics, gymnastics and swimming. As an traditional sport, nowadays, gymnastics may be not as popular as before, but its legacy can still be seen in each community as people still call some fitness centre as "Gym" or "Gymnasium" in English. "Gymnastics has many apparatus. In vault, it trains your power. On the beam, it's about balance and focus. At the high bar, it is the swing. Theses are all the different ways." Like all other sports, gymnastics can leave a lifetime legacy for people. "The best legacy is that sportsman have the ability to gain skills good for life not just sport. When they get a job in society, they have a character that sport help them build. They will be good people," said Corn, adding that it is the true value of sports and physical education. In the modern days, it is gradually hard to arouse the interests of children to choose a sport along their grow-ups. "It's not the problem only for China. We have to work on to make children see the excellency of sport. They know they have to work for something to be dedicated to, to be fully committed to." On how to find a sustainable way to select and train young gymnasts, Corn thinks there could be a balance between school PE lessons and community clubs. "People can do recreational sport in more organized way outside school. You know for the fitness club, where little children can play soccer or other sports in community. The organise can keep people active. It may develop well in China." After four-day qualifications, the Nanning World Gymnastics Championships will officially raise curtain on Tuesday night, when the team event final will also be staged on. "You will see the eight best. That will be one spectacular competition for team event. It will be a fight. Of course, (fight) in the mix zone too," said Corn with a smile, referring to the record number of 650 journalists here.