I will never forget the first time I saw the new generation of Ukraine gymnasts - Verniaiev, Radivilov and Stepko - compete alongside each other. They reminded me of the Soviets of old, with their proud bearing and determination to be the best. With Kuksenkov, they were arguably Europe's best MAG team - stronger, more tight knit as a team than neighbours Russia; more charisma and originality than Britain. Ukraine's tragic loss of a team medal at the Olympics in London didn't stop Igor Radivilov winning a spirited bronze medal on the vault, and he continues to reaffirm his status here and on the rings each year. Oleg Verniaiev, a native of Donetsk, is gradually establishing himself as the world's leading rival to Kohei Uchimura, winning gold AA at the American Cup and repeatedly confirming his ranking as the world's best parallel bars worker. He is also, surely, that rare and elusive thing - a MAG fan favourite.
If you want proof that sport transcends world politics, you only have to listen to Oleg. Two of his closest team mates - Nikolai Kuksenkov (Russia) and Oleg Stepko (Azerbaijan) have had to leave their home country to be able to pursue their sport. Verniaiev and Radivilov have been able to remain true to Ukraine, but the friendship between the team mates in remote countries is unbroken.
Listen to this interview. http://youtu.be/nxmbs-xyKGI
Good luck to Oleg and his compatriots as they prepare for the big competitions this year.
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