Nora Schuler has kindly translated part of Bruno Grandi's interview in the most recent issue of Gymnastika. She reports as follows :
'The most interesting bit is the answer to the last question:
"Q: You thanked our coaches for the return of Soviet gymnastics to the top after the European championships. Why is this so important to you?
A:For a very simple reason: Russia is the founder of today's technical progress [of the sport]. And the FIG cannot afford to lose these traditions – the technical, didactic and pedagogical principles, which are characteristic of your gymnastics.
The Russian gymnastics that we saw at World and European championships in 2010, in particular, from the women, is very beautiful. This is indeed a renaissance. A search for harmony in the unity of the composition (content) of the routine and music. In this sense, Aliya Mustafina (and not only she) showed a return to the values that always belonged to your school. It is mandatory that gymnastics remain artistic and not become similar to sports acrobatics. The rules should encourage the aesthetic part, if we do not want depersonalize our sport."'
Nora adds that the reference to 'depersonalisation' may have lost some of its nuance in translation from Italian to Russian, then Russian to English - the meaning may have more to do with encouraging individuality.
I'm really amazed that he can be so clear in supporting Russia's contribution to the sport, but I wonder what plans he has to change the Code and its implementation to ensure a more holistic approach to marking. Nora also mentions that
'Regarding the reference judges, he says that they brought them in to control the execution scores on a "mathematical basis". (the Fairbrother system). They need to continue working on minimising subjectivity in judging.'
Subjectivity important to assessing artistry and aesthetics? I think he must be rather confused ...
BIG THANKS to Nora for taking the time and trouble to do this translation and commentary!
Edited 10.41 am : the Russian Gymnastics Federation has now added an English language translation of parts of the interview at their Website, emphasising Grandi's acknowledgement of Russia as founders of the modern sport. He also addresses some interesting issues to do with marking and the Code, so it's more than worth a read. In light of Ludmilla Korolenko's comments about judging, it is clear that the Code is a point of discussion for the Russians at present.
Russian Gymnastics Federation (2010) 'Bruno Grandi: Russian Gymnastics is very beautiful' (Russian language) Gymnastika 2010 issue 4, pp 10-11
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