Russia arrives safely in Sofia

Thanks to the event organisers for these pictures of both the senior and junior teams

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Alexei Nemov - last of the Soviets, first of the Russians

I-g.tv has recently been updated with some stories from the diving world as well as gymnastics, including a commentary from Vladimir Zaglada on the gymnastics contribution of 2000 Olympic Champion Alexei Nemov. This is soon to be supplemented by a video montage of Alexei's amazing work on the high bar. There is also a dual (Russian/English) language version of a profile of Alexei : Alexei Nemov – last of the Soviets, first of the Russians Writing a profile of 2000 Olympic Champion Alexei Nemov has not been easy. There is something so completely intangible about Nemov’s gymnastics, something that defies simple description. The beauty of his work goes beyond line, technique or acrobatics. There is a softness that transcends the mere physical. At first, I wanted to write about Alexei’s heroic qualities, of how he reminds me of Detiatin, Tkachev and Mogilnyi. Mentioning Nemov’s place in the role of honour of Soviet gymnastics seemed to be t...

Is gymnastics still artistic?

Such a lot is said about artistry these days - but you don't really see much evidence of it in the gymnastics. There are flashing moments of brilliance that some people enjoy - for example, a gymnast like Brazil's Flavia Saraiva is a favourite for her spirited and expressive floor and beam. Others might prefer the structured work of a gymnast like Kyla Ross. For me, though, the idea of consummate artistry has been lost almost totally - the last time I saw anything like it was in 2012 when Komova performed her floor so brilliantly in the all around final. But without a mechanism to reward artistry - something that is absent from this Code of Points - there really isn't much point even trying any more. Aliya Mustafina was interviewed recently while on holiday in Italy and expressed the opinion that artistry was something that was inborn, rather than trained. She uses a metaphor to describe this - some gymnasts have five gears, not four, and the abilit...

Viktoria Komova - apology

Viktoria wrote some hasty words last night in the heat of the moment. We all have such times, when hurt feelings lead us to behave uncharacteristically. It is not important what she said; it is important that Vika has reflected and wants us all to read this message which she published on VK.com this morning. "Dear friends! I want to apologize for my statements about American girls, about drugs, all my words were spoken on emotions. Of course I haven't any proof and didn't really mean it and so on... I am so sorry. I want to apologize for my character to all of you". Vika, we are still with you every step of the way.

Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

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