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The teams are more important than individuals, says Rodionenko

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Viktoria Komova receives her team medal at a ceremony last week.


Speaking in an interview on the Russian Olympic Association's website, Andrei and Valentina Rodionenko put forward their thoughts on the potential of their teams in Glasgow..

- A key theme of the interview was the refreshment of the teams who both have a young contingent.

- Three very young girls come to the podium, and all that is expected of them is that they avoid mistakes.  Their routines are complex and ready for the Rio Olympics - they do not have to do any more.

- The girls will fight, but 'it will be difficult without Mustafina'

- Glasgow should really be considered as Komova's first serious start since her comeback.  Yes, she competed in Baku - but she was very nervous there ('trembling'); she has become more confident since, and they hope that she will compete for a medal on the uneven bars where she has a very strong routine.  She may compete on three pieces of apparatus.  She has grown significantly since London 2012 and had to start from scratch on bars because of the parameters and dimensions of the apparatus but they hope she will do well.

- The experience of Komova can't be compared with the youth of Kharenkova and Tutkhalyan.  Komova was trained in the classical school of gymnastics.  Seda Tutkhalyan is different again, has more power and different potential.  'If Tutkhalyan does not falter, she could compete for a prize in the all around.'

- Maria Kharenkova has to develop a stronger psychology, but they hope for good work from her.  She was second in Europe all around.  

-  Next year's team will be strengthened.  They mention Angelina Melnikova as having potential for the Rio team.

- Ablyazin, Belyavski, Ignatyev, Kuksenkov are leaders; perhaps they have worries about Kuksenkov but he has lots of experience and is strong; they have adjusted his training programme.  

- Ivan Stretovich has good p bars, pommels and high bar.  Nikita Nagorny is strong on the vault.

- The women should finish in the top three.  The men will compete for a place from three to five.

- All of the athletes are now working for the team.  Gymnastics is changing very rapidly and the team needs to be prepared to compete strongly on all apparatus.

http://www.olympic.ru/news/news-russia/news-federations/valentina-rodionenko-nadeemsia-chto-rossiyskaia-molodej-ne/

In other news, the FIG has announced that Oksana Chusovituna will compete a Produnova vault!  Davai Oksana!
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  1. Russiafan19 October 2015 at 00:38

    "Oksana Chusovituna will compete a Produnova vault!"
    What! Is this for real? I hope she does well. I wish Russia lots of luck; I hope Komova does her best on bars.
    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Javi19 October 2015 at 07:32

    Can't wait to watch chuso do the produnova vault ☺



    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous19 October 2015 at 07:51

    If the big 4 countries remain in the top 4 spots at these world championships then I think Russia has a very good chance at a poduim finish. It's true, as one of the worlds strongest AAers (with virtually no weakness), the team will struggle to find it within themselves to replace Mustafina's scores (and might not quite get there) as a whole. However,with Paseka's Amanar, Komovas bar set and with their strong BB workers, I think they can definitely challenge for 3rd. Had Mustafina been here, they could probably challenge China for second.

    I'm honestly not too excited about these championships without Mustafina. We all know USA will win TF and AA will be no fun with the only challenge to the Americans being Iordache. VT and UB should be fun. BB has not been fun to watch as of late at both a world and European stage with all the errors and falls. Floor, might be a bit more interesting but even so, we know Biles and Raisman will come in 1st and 2nd. I honestly heavily dislike Ksenia's floor so I'm not even anticipating listening to that performance but nonetheless I hope she can help the team and even with such horrid music, perhaps and individual medal.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Russiafan19 October 2015 at 20:29

    I found videos from training.
    Here is Komova on bars (BEAUTIFUL!):
    https://www.facebook.com/GinnasticaArtisticaIta/videos/472274329610403/

    Here is Paseka on vault:
    https://www.facebook.com/GinnasticaArtisticaIta/videos/472267332944436/


    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous19 October 2015 at 21:06

    And Afanasyeva? Is she better?

    ReplyDelete

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