Key points summary of an interview between Maria Vorobyeva of R Sport, and Russia's Head Coach Andrei Rodionenko, dated 11 September 2014. Link to Russian language - http://m.rsport.ru/interview/20140911/771553414.html
Upon completion of the Russia Cup in late August, the Russian national team coaching staff announced a list of eight athletes - four men and four women - guaranteed participation in the World Championships. Aliya Mustafina, Maria Kharenkova, Daria Spiridinova and Ekaterina Kramarenko; Nikita Ignatyev, David Belyavski, Nikolai Kuksenkov and Denis Ablyazin.
At the World Championships 2013 Alexander Balandin won a silver on rings, and Mustafina won the balance beam and took two bronzes - in the all-around and on bars.
- Andrei Fyodorovich, Denis Ablyazin went for an examination last Monday, in Germany. How did it go?
- It's okay. Denis's condition is stabilized. I think that for the World Championships everything will be normal and these difficulties will not prevent his performance.
- At the recent Russia Cup Ablyazin tried to include highly complex combinations on his best apparatus, but not everything went smoothly. What will he do in the world championships?
- Let's look at his condition. There is the flight to China, the difference in time, in the weather ... To begin with, in qualifying, everything will be done according to his state of health, as well as based on the capabilities of competitors for finals places. This is a tactical battle.
- The winner of the Russia Cup all-around, Nikita Ignatyev, beat absolute European champion David Belyavski in the all-around for the first time in his career, gaining over 90 points. Is it too early for him to have been in such good shape?
- Our main task is to maximize results at the World Championships, taking into account the gymnasts' individual characteristics. We keep in mind that the upcoming World Championships will be in an Olympic format - there are qualifications, team finals, an all-around and individual event finals. So we need to create a team that can meet all the requirements of the format of the competition. Preferably, you will have gymnasts who can be competitive in every part of the competition.
- The task is not simple, but it is what is usual.
- That's right. It is really an ordinary, working situation. Now we are right at the mid point of the Olympic cycle. We look at the gymnasts' programmes and see what is well tested and can improve the team. Upon completion of the national championships, we saw that there were quite a lot of new gymnasts.
Alongside all the priority tasks, this World Championships also determines who the 24 strongest teams are, who will continue preparations for 2015 [and participate in Olympic qualifying at the Glasgow World Championships]. So there are several parallel tasks - whether or not medals are won, the quality of performances is important, and the team also should be prepared not only for this World Championships, but also with an eye to future competitions. We can't just stick with what we did at the last Olympics - that would mean almost losing deliberately to those countries who have upgraded.
- Last year at the world championships the only medal for the Russian men's team was won by Alexander Balandin. But now he is no longer in contention for Nanning. Is he injured?
- Sasha has had surgery. It is a typical injury - a problem with the shoulder joints - one that many rings specialists suffer. [Andrei calls ring specialists "koltsevikov".]. We had to correct the situation, and did everything. Sasha has spent the last training "Round Lake" in recovery, and now he has completed the whole rehabilitation programme, is at home. He needs to come back into form and good health, and from next year he will begin to train with the team.
By the way, here I would like to acknowledge the support of our general sponsor, VTB, who constantly cooperates with us. First of all, they pay for all of the medical examination and treatment our athletes need. Secondly, our equipment in the training halls has been updated. Generally, there are two pillars on which everything is based - the Ministry of Sport is one, and the federation, led by (President - Chairman of VTB) Andrei Kostin, the other. What the Ministry of Sports doesn't do, VTB look after, and vice versa. That is why mutual assistance and alliance are essential. Without this help, the results would simply not be there.
- How realistic are hopes that Viktoria Komova and Ksenia Afanasyeva might compete in Nanning? They are both recovering from injury.
- We will only know after the control training. Their inclusion on the squad will depend in how they perform. To cope with the format of this competition well, we need gymnasts to be competitive on at least two events. The girls know their goals and are working quietly on them.
- What can you say about the young gymnasts? What do you think of Spiridonova and Kharenkova? Will they have improved since Europeans?
- They will answer this question themselves, I am not going to answer for them. If they are stronger, they will compete with dignity in China. If things don't work out, we need to wait until they are older. But it is important that they have already reached senior level, and they are trying to do a programme that can be globally competitive.
- Before the European Championships Mustafina repeatedly complained of problems with her ankle. Has this situation changed?
- Unfortunately, no gymnast can be guaranteed to avoid long term [he says 'permanent'] injury. This is the normal life situation.
- If you remember last year, the team suffered many injuries and broke down right before Worlds, and the results weren't the most brilliant. How is the team spirit at the start if this year's major competition?
- We are absolutely in working condition, but it is important to keep this state of health not only during training, but also after moving to China. Our stay in China will be quite lengthy. Unusually, qualifications will cover two days for each of the programmes. We need to maintain a state of fitness for this time period, so that we can be in the desired form for each day of the competition.
In 2015, things will be different - there will only be 24 teams competing. This year, in each programme, there will be about 45-47 teams. I think I am not mistaken if I say that this is a record number.
- Ignatyev said that personal medals are important, but in the team all-around you need to put in one hundred percent. Do the coaching staff set priorities in this respect?
- No, we cannot set priorities - to do as much as possible you just need better quality in every discipline.
How come Ekaterina Kramarenko is a gurantee to Nanning? I'd pick Alla over her...
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure they recently said that Paseka was the 4th lock, not Kramarenko. That would make far more sense, maybe Andrei made a mistake.
DeleteThe date of this interview is yesterday, so it is the latest official information.
DeleteDoesn't make it definitive though ...
Kramenko? She has no difficulty level to compete in a world championship. I do not know how she could help the team from Russia. Honestly, Alla and Paseka have more medal chances (and help the team work) than Kramenko. Personally, I prefer even more Alla ... She is getting better.
DeleteI heard that Kramarenko injured her ankle and won't be going to Nanning. Russian camp is seriously running out of options. I think they should take Komova and Sosnitskaya to complete the team.
Deleteofc they should take Komova! Komova is their Champion on bars, and had plenty of experience on international stage. If they take Masha for beam only, why not take Komova for bars only? In 2008 olympic games, where team finals is of 654 format like in the coming worlds, China, the olympic champion also took 2 specialist with them....so why not for Russia?
DeleteMaria Kharenkova will serve her team on more than just beam.
DeleteWho is the second gymnast capable of competing at the AA final? This is Russia's main weakness.
DeleteProbably Alla or Kharenkhova, but none have real chances of podium. Why is AA Russia main weakness? Aliya Mustafina is there. She can make the podium easily with her routines.
DeleteI would say Russia weakness is probably floor.
AA is Russian main weakness because they always had 2 gymnasts in the top ten. Mustafina can make the pódium, but Rodionova was 17th last year.
DeleteNo doubt, Russian floor is weak.
- What can you say about the young gymnasts? What do you think of Spiridonova and Kharenkova? Will they have improved since Europeans?
ReplyDelete- They will answer this question themselves, I am not going to answer for them. If they are stronger, they will compete with dignity in China. If things don't work out, we need to wait until they are older. But it is important that they have already reached senior level, and they are trying to do a programme that can be globally competitive.
Difference between his answer and what Valentina would have said. I am not a fan of the Rodionekos but Andrei is definitely the only one who should do interviews.
I don't understand their interest with Kramarenko. At Euros she had a decent vault and valuable floor, but she has definitely slipped. Perhaps this was intentional and the Russian Federation has seen routines worthy of world's. Personally I think they want to being another vet who can be a team leader and give the young ones some confidence. That being said, I think that both Paseka and komova are capable of moving into leadership roles, given their gymnastics is world's ready ready as well. I can't help but think that having Kramarenko who will bring at best a mid 14 score, could prevent them from even medaling. However we all know that the Rods care about nothing but the medal count at the end of the day, and they will send a team who they think can deliver.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of confidence in the young ones. Kharenkova has proved herself time and time again on beam and has made quite an effort to keep her routine at the top of the pack. Spiri has also been extremely consistent, though I worry also out her beam. I hope they don't use her, but they may have to. I think it is great that they have Euros experience behind them, I know the US has also out VERY young team with so little experience it's worrying.
I believe Rodionenko is bringing Kramarenko because they are out of options. Andrei and Valentina has run this Russian program to the ground, and it's sad to see it happening before our eyes. They alienated top Russian gymnasts, forcing some of them to retire or move to other countries. The Russian program will continue to struggle in the coming years because of poor leadership. Russia couldn't compete with US and China. I think they will get the bronze medal in TF, and that is because Romania is severely weaken because of the injury of Diana Bulimar.
ReplyDeletestill counting on Nabieva!
ReplyDeleteWho else can they bring? Komova? Nabieva? Sonitskaya? I tell you, they are running out of options.
DeleteThey have just a few more options than last year - Paseka is another example.
DeleteIt is hardly the 2012 team, that's true - but if they can achieve good execution and be stable throughout the competition, they might win some medals. Especially as the poor Romanians are so under strength, which isn't a great reason to be cheerful.
My instinct is that this team will be a little like the 2011 team and will do fairly well, perhaps even a little better if Mustafina and Kharenkova have good days.
Sonitskaya was not in perfect form at the end of August. She even competed worse than at Euros. Has she been ruled out because of an injury?
DeleteElvira
Kramarenko might not be ideal but to say she has no difficult level to compete at worlds is stupid. She has strong enough uneven bars and beam. Her uneven bars score are higher than most of US and Romania girls. Remember most of Russian girls are one or two event specialist. Katiya might not be your ideal but she deserves some respect too. And she have leadership, she is experienced, she is older so more mature. Remember Russia biggest problem last quad was emotional too. They need people like Aliya and Katiya, maybe not for Olympics but for Worlds.
ReplyDeletePaseka going to Worlds is not directly related to Kramarenko since those two can help on different events. I don't like Maria Paseka is one of the Russia gymnastics I like less, because I don't like the way she VT, I even do not agree with her getting the Olympics medal (but that is another argument). But its true she is important for Russia because she can get a 15 or higher for her VT, even if its a lousy vault and she could be of help on floor.
Alla I thought was a lock too. Maybe she is injured or something. Because she could help Russia on all events if needed.
Now, just one more thing to everyone shouting how bad Russia is, our lack of depth etc etc etc.
Have you looked at US team right now? Only Simone Biles is an above average gymnast.
We have athletes that can outscore Kyla Ross on UB/BB/FL. Mykayla Skinner? Her floor is great but poorly executed, her VT was hammered at Pan Americans and should be even worse at Worlds. Madson Kocian and Locklear have a good score at UB but nothing outstanding or that can't be outscored. Kocian has a good BB too, but would not even reach the 15. Maddie Desch barely hit the 14 with her routines and Barman would be solely used at BB, and she has a max 6.0 routine. All in all how many 15+ would they reach?So US might have HUGE depth but this does not mean huge quality as well. They have many athletes injured, just like we have. Why Andrey Rod is to blame for the injury fest at Russia but the Karolys aren't at US? Why don't blame the CoP and its pull for huge difficult?
It's funny how people are always ready to put the blame on someone, some thing just happen...I'm not in favor of having Andrei Rodionenko here, but it just makes me crazy how people think. Last we know they will be blaming him for the lack of depth at Romania, the injuries at US, UK getting medals. Ferrari being robbed.
Just something more. They seem decided that Komova has to be fully healthy to make it to the Worlds. What is, honestly, the best attitude I'be seen from Andrei so far on the quad. Finally. This Worlds is just a path to Olympics, Rio is the big deal. Vika should be ready to Rio. Sveta Khorkina was usually very low key at worlds and european along the quad and managed three well made Olympics.
Anniya
I heard Kramarenko is out. Is this true?
DeleteI think we need to look at the big picture here, instead of looking at it at an angle. Russia has been lacking depth for a reason, and this year is no exception. Why is this? The obvious answer is, lack of leadership skills. Andrei and Valentina has got to go. Russian Gymnastics Council should give these two the boot because of what is happening in Russian camp. Russia seems to struggle to put a team together that is Worlds/Olympic ready. Andrei and Valentina have alienated great gymnasts that forced them to retire and move to other countries to compete. Russia is weak because caliber of leadership is bad. Just ask yourself this question, why is Russian gymnastics weak? That should lead you to your answer.
DeleteYou are looking at the big picture then? And I'm looking at an specific angle? Obvious reasons?
DeleteLet me show you the not obvious but more realistic reason of why Russia is not as strong anymore.
Russia problems goes from the early 2000...First, people often connect URSS with Russia, they forget it was a complex of countries. MOST of the athletes from this times are not even Russian. Though they were trained here. So of course, Russia has way less depth than those times, we are one single country now. Then, back on the past until around the late 90's and Olympic athlete was seen at someone of the most prestige and respect. Representing the country etc. There so, Olympians and its family would get so many benefits and recognition, it motivated the athletes. It was beyond just going at Olympics because they loved the sport. They could actually help their relatives with it. There used to be big public investments on it as well. All those things contributed to the huge DEPTH of gymnasts we had. Also, Russia changed economically and socially and we are just now feeling those changes. The girls have more option other than sports. They also don't take authority and discipline like we used to (even Khorkina and Produnova, for example, were raised on the old system). Their families do not need to rely on them. THOSE ARE ALL reasons why Russia gymnastics is not as strong as it used to. Do you think Rodionenkos have this much power on them that they are responsible for all this? ha, they wish...
Yes, HE has made stupid decisions and its far from being the ideal head coach. And yes, Anna Pavlova deserved more than what she got. Certainly deserved more respect. However, her mother had big power at the 2005/2008 quad and what good did they do? Disaster.One of the worst Olympics teams we ever had. But they are not to blame? Only Andrei Rodionenko? Andrei is also very close to Putin and friends and managed, with his connection (for better or worse), lots of investments back and partnerships. Have u seen Round Lake now days? Its super modern and well structured. He has brought back a HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MAG team.
Karoly is US head coach for ages. Even though they had those last two Olympics very outstanding success, their 2000 Olympics was atrocious. Shit team. 2004? Carly Patterson and that was it. The rest pretty mediocre athletes. Yet nobody bashes on Martha. Nobody though all the blame on those Olympics should be on her. Bellu was Romania coach the entire 90 plus the super successful 2000/2004 and is also the head coach now when they have 6 seniors and only one athlete with competitive routines individually. Yet I don't hear people bashing on him. I don't hear people saying ALL this is his fault because he is DOING nothing to help it....blablabla...
Injuries are a real problem at the moment. Not only for Russia but to every country. Its so ridiculously that we are having gymnast of 13/14 years old with injuries related to pro athletes. A bunch of our prominent juniors got plagued with injuries when they come to age, this plus Xenia, Nastia Grishna, Vika Komova... or else we would have as many depth as US (how many seniors athletes they had at nationals 12?How many of those are competitive individually?)...How come this is entirely Rodionenko fault but US having Peyton Ernst, Mckayla Maroney, Lexie Prissman, Maggie Nichols, Ohashi all out are not Karoly fault? Even Bailie Key, still a junior, is injured.
I don't get the double standard you people have...
Anniya.
Anniya, I understand that Russia is not the Soviet Union, that's very clear to me. People needs to separate USSR and Russia because they are both different entity. What I'm talking about are the results that Russia has been getting these past years. Obviously, Russia is capable of producing top notch gymnasts as Mustafina, Komova, Afanaseyva, Palvova, etc., are the evidence of that.
DeleteI find some questionable things in your statement that doesn't make any sense to me. What you were saying in the second paragraph about Russian gymnasts is that, they are less motivated and uncontrollable because they have more economic options and freedom versus the past gymnasts. I understand that financial benefit have been a huge factor for Russian gymnasts in the past to bring economic relief to their love ones. And because of that, they need to successful so that they can help their families. That I understand.
Now, here's the problem that I have with that statement. The US is the same thing, American gymnasts doesn't have to be in gymnastics to feed their family, yet the American team is successful. Russia's economic transformation should be a good thing for Russian gymnastics. If Russian gymnasts have attitude problems and can't be controlled, then Russian gymnastics should be in shambles by now. Mustafina or Komova should not have existed, but that's not the case. Russian gymasts CAN be taught self-control because if they couldn't, we would not be having this conversation.
Just think of it this way, in any sport and in any discipline, an athlete needs to learn self-control and coaches are there to guide them and hone their talents. Let's take Mustafina and Komova, they wouldn't be a world class gymnasts if they did not have any self-control or couldn't be disciplined. It's a poor excuse to blame the athletes for the coaches' failures.
I read somewhere that some Russian gymnasts does whatever they want, whenever they want, and the coaches just sit there and take their sh*t. THAT'S THE COACHES' PROBLEM! THEY SHOULD BE IN-CHARGE, NOT THE ATHLETE. Why can the US coaches make their gymnasts listen to them, and not the Russian coaches? If you watch how American gymnasts interact with their coaches, you can see that the coaches are in-charge, not the other way around. Are you going to start saying that Russian gymnasts are going to punch and beat up their coaches? Are you going to say, Russians doesn't have the same economic privileges than Americans, because I don't believe that at all. And you said it yourself that they have better options because of Russian economy doing better. There is NO excuse for Russia's poor performances except poor leadership, and that points back to the Rodionenkos.
Do you think Marta Karolyi would take excuses from coaches like, "Oh, I'm sorry that my athlete isn't performing at her potential because I can't control her." Marta would laugh at her face and drop the coach and her athlete off the USAG list. Do you also think that Marta will put gymnasts who doesn't recognize authority? Nope. Nope. Nope. Marta Karolyi is successful at what she does because she doesn't excuse mediocrity. You never hear an American athlete with a diva attitude because Marta and her coach(if she's good) are having none of that. IT ALL COMES DOWN TO COACHES. PERIOD.
I left out a vital information of my first rant.
DeleteBecause the coaches aren't as tough, it points back to Rodionenko. He is the leader, he needs to teach those coaches how to deal and handle their gymnasts. If he can't, then he needs to leave and have someone take over his spot that is capable of it.
I think that's only fair. Maybe bring Alexander Alexandrov back, or whoever that can bring results, because clearly, Andrei can't do it anymore. Him and Valentina are full of excuses. Like, last year, Andrei was talking about how he couldn't believe that Ross outscored Mustafina by 5 tenths in vault during AA. Is this guy blind? It's so obvious why Mustafina scored a lot lower than Ross. He even confused Biles from Price when talking about Biles and Rodionova having the same age, yet Biles came in prepared and dominant. And he also stereotyped African American gymnasts that they will dominate in Vault and Floor. He didn't factor in that Douglas, Nia Dennis, and Price can swing bars. That interview was just plain ridiculous. Full of excuses, pointing fingers, etc. Instead of admitting how crappy of a head coach he is, he just pointed fingers and made excuses to make himself feel better. Ugh! I can't stand people like that.
This will be another long one, I'm sorry. Let's talk about Marta Karolyi and her role in USAG. First and foremost, it's a little concerning for you to say that 2004 US Gymnastics team are mediocre besides Carly Patterson. The American girls medaled in all EF except Floor. I don't think you understand the word mediocre because the American gymnasts were far from it. Why would people question Marta when she brings results. Just FYI, Marta Karolyi didn't become the head coordinator until 2001, and after she was hired, the results came after.
DeleteBetween 2001-2008, the American women won a combined total of 44 medals in World Championships and Olympic Games. How can someone bash Marta for that?
Let's move on to injuries, I don't know why you started enumerating gymnasts that got injured, when no one brought that up. I'm not blaming Rodionenko for the injuries, so why you accused me of doing so, I don't know. Maybe you're mistaken.
I'm just going to go back to my first point, there are no double standards here. You can see the difference in leadership between Karolyi and Rodionenko. Marta's house is in order, while Rodionenko's house seems all over the place. Not to mention, Valentina who likes to make ridiculous comments about gymnasts who are ready, but they really are not. Or she talks about skills that gymnasts are doing, and she'll make it seem like they got and would be performing it on Worlds/Olympics, but really doesn't.
It's ridiculous. If Rodionenkos don't change their system or doesn't leave, then I think Russia's descent to gymnastics mediocrity will continue.
with those statements you just showed how much ignorant people are towards things that are out of their experience zone.
DeleteRussia have two main problems as of right now, lots of injuries and the huge diminish of elite gymnasts.This last has going on since late 90's.
You say US is like that too. That is the thing, US HAS ALWAYS BEEN LIKE THAT. The did not go though I huge change economically and socially. US had always had huge investment on the sport, did those investment drop to zero after 96? no. The US athletes often gets uni scholarships, Kyla Ross/Price/Peszek all have said this is/was a huge motivation to keep them going on gym. Plus they also get huge partnerships and money from the government. Compare how much Nastia/Shawn/Douglas/Maroney got out of Olympics and what Khorkina/Zamo/Aliya etc got out of it (even so at 012 there was more gratification because Putin is getting back the investment on sports.).I'm not even gonna go on the "russia transformation should be good for Russia gymnastics" because you have no idea what you are saying.No idea what went through this country late 90's and early 2000 to say such a BS. Those girls often have to leave their life to do gym on elite level, how many parents are allowing it nowadays? very few. Ksenia left her home at the age of 9. Those are substantial reasons as of why we don't have 100 elite athletes like we used to. This is a problem beyond Rodionenkos.. That has very little to do with poor leadership. Whoever would be on the Rodionenko place right now, would hve the same problems.
The 2nd issue, the injuries is something every country is battling right now. Instead of blaming it on Rodionenko, shouldn't people blame it on FIG? On a CoP that tells you can only medal if you have huge difficult, execution does not matter that much, and you end up with the awful things you are seeing now?The Produnovas vt we're seeing. Even Paseka and Skinner horrendous execution on vt, clearly they shouldnt be attempting those but since they still get good scores for the D they go for it anyways.
Oh you heard/read somewhere? I have read and heard on lots of place dreadful things about the Karolys, go ask Nadia Comanecci, Moceanu...I have also heard and read dreadful things about Bellu. I have also read and heard bad things about Valeri Liukin. I have also heard/read bad things about Alexandrov. Are all those things fully truth? I highly doubt.... things have always two sides? so careful if what you heard somewhere from someone.
You think Alexandrov wouldn't be struggling if he was at Andrei spot? You, the one talking about leadership? Alexandrov, the amazing coach he is no doubt, was the main coach at 012 YET he had a amazing relationship with Aliya, an alright relationship with Vika and pretty non existent relationship with he others girls. Oh its not his fault this also?
You are right about Andrei Rodionenko not being the ideal head coach, but Alexandrov would be not much better either. What we needs is new blood. One of the new coaches that have a different approach with the girls and would be able to also reach the girls parents, what the old soviets system trained coaches aren't able to do because they never had too.
Now, that does not mean everything is his fault either OR that everything he did was bad. I say again, HE IS THE MAIN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NEW INVESTMENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS Russia gymnastics got lately. He is the one responsible for allowing the elite athletes to go on semestral trips to train somewhere like Spain/Italy/Swiss, to relax, bound with each other, visit etc. The girls are always very excited for those. He also have a good relationship with everyone including Aliya. MAG team is at its top right now.
Watch on YT a documentary on Romania gymnastics called "Medal Factory" many old coaches explain precisely those facts when they are asked why the number of athletes has diminished considerably.
I totally agree, this "Alexandrov should come back" reaction is childish. He NEVER was a team's coach. Grishina was a potential diamond and he didn't help her because he did not have a good relationship with her coach. The same with Afan. Her coach has explained this on a few occasions. He says that the team would have performed better with Dementyeva. Why didn't she learn a better vault after her performance at Euros?
DeleteRussia needs younger coaches. The Rodionenkos will leave after Rio. Right now the results in MAG are not so bad. Yet, the coaches who will stay will have to deal with the teams in a new situation. In WAG we'll have to wait for the juniors. Next year they will be eligible.
I understand you Anniya. I'm from Romania, and I'm sick of all these questions like 'Why aren't there more gymnasts?', 'Why are they so bad on UB?', 'Why doesn't Bellu do something?' etc etc etc. The answer for all these questions is MONEY. We don't have money. Gymnastics isn't what it used to be, especially in Romania. There are girls who start gymnastics, but end up quitting it because the parents don't have money for equipment or they get injured and don't have money for doctors or surgeries. Parents can't support them because the salary here is sooooo low (the average salary is 200 Euros). It's not only hard for the gymnasts, but also for the coaches. We have to remember that outside the gym, they have families to support. How can you support your family, when you get only 400 Euros a month, and your bills go past 700 Euros?
ReplyDeleteThey have no choice but to leave Romania for a better job in USA, Canada, UK, where they are paid double.
The same thing happens with the Russian coaches and with the Russian gymnasts. It goes beyond the coaches. And also people need to understand (if they can understand) that even after 25 years since the fall of the communist regime, we are still trying to get through it. It's not as easy as you might think. And it doesn't help when you always compare what happens now, with what used to happen 25 years ago. Remember that during those times some gymnasts were FORCED to do some routines. Aurelia Dobre said this, and this also applies for the Soviet gymnasts, eg Elena Mukina.
I don't know if my comment made sense in some way,but I just wanted to support Anniya, because I know what she means.