Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

Nikolai Andrianov and his son Sergei, in 1980.  Courtesy of RIA Novosti Once upon a time, Vladimir School of Gymnastics was a workhorse of world gymnastics.  Coach Nikolai Tolkachov fostered the talent of a legendarily stubborn, but deeply talented gymnast, Nikolai Andrianov, who went on to become an Olympic champion.  Andrianov was at the vanguard of generations of ambitious young Soviet gymnasts who then went on to dominate world and Olympic competition during the 1980s and early 1990s. Those who followed him, twice World Champion Yuri Korolev, for example, were no less talented.  Or we could cite Vladimir Artemov, multiple world medallist and all around Olympic champion in 1988.  More recently, Yuri Ryazanov won bronze all around in the 2009 World Championships, before his life was so tragically cut short. Tolkachov's generous talent brought forth not only great gymnasts, but also great coaches, for example Viktor Firsov who coached Vladimir Artemov....

Maria Paseka and her mum.  Courtesy of Superstyle Lupita translates an interview with 2012 Olympic silver and bronze medal winning gymnast, Maria Paseka! Once in four years even those who are not experts talk about sport. During the Olympics everyone suffers and supports unknown athletes. Even if an athlete has grown up not far from you, you know the toll he or she had to pay - childhood, health, going to live far away from parents.  Аnna Klesheva is the mum of silver and bronze medalist Maria Paseka.  She watches all the competitions afterwards, when the results are known. -  I am so worried about Masha that I am afraid to convey my concern. This is why I watch her vaults once the competition is over. Anna has been working with us for six years. Маsha is the smiling girl who enjoys visiting us when she is not at training camp or competing. Anna comes to visit us after her victory at the Olympics. Maria is now a well-known athlete who grew up before ...