Medway lecturer receives gymnastics recognition
More than a decade’s research into the physiology of elite-level gymnasts has earned University of Greenwich at Medway Principal Lecturer Dr Monèm Jemni a top award in recognition of his work.
Dr Jemni, who is a Programme Leader in Sports Science at the university, which is based at Chatham Maritime, has for many years studied the physical attributes required to perform at the highest level of gymnastics and how the sport has evolved over the past 40 years.
As part of his work, he has organised seminars and conferences all over the world specialising in training, bioenergetics, nutrition and other areas related to the sciences of gymnastics, which have been attended by a range of researchers, experts and coaches.
He has just returned from the 4th Asian Artistic Gymnastics Games, which took place in Doha, Qatar, where he was staging a conference and organisers of the event decided to reward his dedication by handing him a Science and Research Achievement Award.
Dr Jemni, who is a former international gymnast and coach says: “I was very pleased to receive this award as I am one of only a handful of people worldwide who are research active in this topic, looking at what goes into being a high level gymnast.
“Gymnastics is a unique challenge, as although it is deemed one sport, there are six different events in men’s competition and four for women. Physical and psychological attributes required to perform a vault or a routine on the rings are completely different to those needed to perform a floor routine or on the pommel horse.
“My areas of research have focused on how physical preparation has evolved in the sport. In the 1970s, routines were much more aesthetic, whereas today strength and power are more predominant. With competitors training between 24 and 36 hours a week in the gym, I have looked at the impact this has on different components of their physiological systems.
“I have also designed new training programmes which look at the most effective way of using preparation time. The results of this have been published worldwide. I am hoping the award from the organisers of the Asian Games will help secure further funding allowing me to continue my research.”
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