Melnikova’s gesture on the podium, the "Slavic face," the coldness of rivals—Zanin captures the details of gymnastics at the Euros. Natalia Maryanchik, sports.ru Жест Мельниковой на подиуме, slavic face, холод соперниц – детали гимнастики на Евро от Занина - Дальний лес - Блоги Sports.ru The European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb concluded with a triumph for the Russian women, even though Melnikova and Kalmykova only made it to the tournament following intervention by the Foreign Ministry and competed practically straight off the plane. Melnikova and Kalmykova took first and second place in the all-around event. Competing under a neutral status, the Russian women won the team competition. Melnikova also claimed gold in the vault, as well as bronze on the balance beam and in the floor exercise. Match TV commentator Dmitry Zanin, who covered the tournament, recounted that Melnikova was moved to tears during the vault medal ceremony. He described her standing in h...
Reporting and analysing Russian gymnastics since 2010. Includes original and exclusive interviews with leading coaches and gymnasts, and historical issues dating back to the Soviet Union. The first blog to report extensively on the sport using Russian language sources. I read, I argue, and I have opinions. Be warned.

Alya!!!! I am so happy for you!!!! My dreams came true. Medeyets.
ReplyDeleteOMG, she just shut everybody up with her tremendous routines today, especially on floor!
ReplyDeleteAfter she finished, I thought: "If the judges don't give her the bronze over Skinner, they will be decreeing the ultimate decadence of the sport!" So glad she improved her difficulty and proved everyone wrong! Her emotional showing after the score was up was possibly the greatest she has ever shown in all her competitions.
And now she has an 11th!
ReplyDeleteThen 11th!
ReplyDelete