Kieran Behan was one of the Irish Olympians whose story spread further in international media than most.  His inspiring story, together with the success of British Gymnasts like beth Tweddle and Louie Smith will have raised the profile of a sport that once seemed the preserve of many other nations.
Gymnastics Ireland is seeking to capitalise on this new found profile by launching a coaching course for other sports coaches that uses gymnastic fundamental skills and training techniques to build core strength in athletes across all sports.
“GymEDGE has the potential to make a real impact in the on-going development of coaches from all sports across Ireland,” said Gymnastics Ireland CEO Ciaran Gallagher, “while simultaneously increasing awareness and understanding of gymnastics as a sport.”
The programme has been developed in partnership with the Ulster Sports Academy at the University of Ulster and supported by the Irish Sports Council & Coaching Ireland.  It is being offered as a commercial service with funds generated being invested back into the development of the sport.
The workshops vary in level catering for coaches working at participation, development or performance level.
This is an initiative which may be followed by other sports as excellence in one can often be of real benefit in other areas.  A point made very clearly in the midst of an Olympic Games when athletes and coaches come into such close contact.