Valentina at the Russia Cup earlier this summer. Picture courtesy of the RGF
Speaking via the official website of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation, Valentina Rodionenko calls for investment in Crimea's gymnastics facilities in Yalta, both for local improvement and to provide the national team with opportunities for warm weather training prior to the Rio Olympics. She suggests that coaches from Ukraine's war-torn cities of Donetsk and Lugansk who have expressed an interest in working for Russia, may find employment there.
Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko met with the Russian national team in gymnastics during a visit to "Round Lake". State Coach Valentina Rodionenko told press that one of the main themes of discussion was the Federal Target Programme "Development of physical culture and sports in Russia for 2006-2015".
- We are very pleased that the Minister took the time to talk with the team, and answer all the questions from the 'excited children', - said Valentina Rodionenko. - For example, the Olympic champion, Aliya Mustafina wondered whether it would be possible to create another specialized gym in Moscow, where she would be able to work after the end of her sports career. On the one hand, it may be a slightly naive desire, but on the other hand, it's great that Aliya is seriously thinking about her future.
- What questions did the coaches have?
- We asked Vitaly L's [Mutko's] assistance in rebuilding the gym in Yalta, Crimea. This was one of the central themes of our conversation. A gymnasium and a nearby athlete's hotel already exist in Yalta, but they are in poor, neglected condition. I know whereof I speak, because in the past I regularly went there with a team of one of the Moscow clubs. It is a wonderful climate - sea, humidity - but the conditions there at the moment do not match the needs and level of the national team ...
- Why is high humidity so important?
- In Rio de Janeiro in 2016, it will be not only hot, but also humid. And in such circumstances the magnesium which we use on apparatus and hands behaves quite differently. We need to get used to this to avoid mistakes. Of course, the climate in the Crimea is still far from Brazilian, but we don't have anything that can simulate it completely. Moreover, we do have regular health camps by the sea. This year, we were in Italy, and the youth team will soon go to Spain.
- Do you like it there?
- On the one hand, yes. But on the other hand, at home we are in charge of our own gym, and there, we are guests. This manifests itself in small ways: we can not choose the most convenient time for training, or the apparatus and equipment that we need, and we have to compromise. A modern base in Yalta would solve all these problems at once. Vitaly L. said that the reconstruction can begin as early as this year.
- Is there a gymnastic tradition in Crimea?
- Unfortunately, no. There are some enthusiasts who work with children, but this is not organized. In the future, we want to open a children's sports school - it is necessary to start somewhere. Especially, now we are approached by coaches from Donetsk, Lugansk, asking to work in Russia. A centre in Yalta would be the perfect solution for them - still far from home.
Source : http://minsportfcp.ru/news/olimpijskij-turnir-rio-gimnasty-khotyat-otrepetirovat-v-krymu-040814
Did she forget that it will be winter in Rio when the Olympics are held? Although it will be "warm" enough to be considered summer in Russia, I suppose. It certainly won't be hot and humid.
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