Louis Smith is looking for some men with deep pockets. The 19-year-old British Olympic gymnast won bronze in Beijing in the pommel horse—becoming the nation's first individual Olympic medalist in 100 years and only the second black male gymnast to win an Olympic medal. Despite his heroics in Beijing and the outpouring of media attention, Smith is still training in the same cramped, poorly equipped gym and says "there haven't been any considerable changes yet."
"I've heard that British Gymnastics might not be getting any more lottery funding from UK Sport. It will be just redistributed differently but I'm not sure how. ... Here we've got a three-year waiting list of kids and we've already got hundreds of them running around already..."
"We've only got about four or five decent gyms in Britain and quite often they're either being refurbished or things going wrong. We haven't got the best facilities and it's sad when you compare the situation with other sports."
"Look at cycling, they've had so much money pumped into them and they've won so many gold medals. That proves that funding, facilities and great coaching can produce medals so we need the same."
The Olympic medalist, who is trying to drum up interest in the sport among minorities and in the housing projects where he grew up, adds, "It's almost as if no one wants to get involved. Everyone likes watching gymnastics on TV and it seems to be a popular sport in that respect but I don't see why people don't want to take part."
Sean Golden, the black American gymnastics champion who missed a spot in Beijing, has made similar remarks about stateside funding for gymnastics. Except in the USA, the Olympic sports programs are primarily underwritten by the private sector.
Smith and Golden hope to compete at London 2012. Let's hope they meet a few sugar daddies or some bureaucrats with a big, fat, umm, checkbook.
Smith Pleads for More Support [Sporting Life]
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Oh I will help Louis Smith. C'mon over to the US, I am sure the brothers would love to give him some 'support.'
Posted by: Darren S | 20 November 2008 at 10:55
that young man is just PHINE. i wish i did have the money, i would gladly write him a check or two. maybe he will model in his tight uniform lol
Posted by: Jaysin | 20 November 2008 at 10:56
As Florida Evans says, "Dayumn, dayumn, dayumn!"
Posted by: Ten in My Timz | 20 November 2008 at 11:05
i would LOVE to help out...in more ways than one
Posted by: D | 20 November 2008 at 12:29
What ever that baby needs... tell him to call me...
Posted by: freeleo | 20 November 2008 at 12:47
I wish I had some deep pockets. He could reach down in them and see what he could find.
Posted by: donovan | 20 November 2008 at 13:40
He can sent on my stiff support
Posted by: Anti-believer | 20 November 2008 at 20:02
Rod, I know you meant no disrespect, but your headline trivializes this important issue. Just look at the comments so far.
Posted by: Blackki | 20 November 2008 at 20:39
oh lighten up, Blackki ...
There is only but so much we can do anyway. Anyone who could really help the situation would do so.
As for the rest of us, a little lascivious levity is in order for a delicious morsel like Mr. Smith.
[shameless trivialization alert!!]
Brotha man could make serious money if he charged people to watch him train. Especially if we could watch it via the internet. Mmmmm ... And we could send IM's with nasty suggestions -- "Do that split again!" -- "Can you put on a thong?" -- "What's up with the shower cam?"
Posted by: taylor siluwe | 23 November 2008 at 09:16