Start lists are now available for tomorrow's senior team and event quals. At present, the Russian roster looks like this - Beam - Melnikova, Tutkhalyan, Mustafina Floor - Melnikova, Tutkhalyan, Mustafina Vault - Melnikova, Tutkhalyan, Afanasyeva Bars - Melnikova, Spiridonova, Mustafina Things can still change, dear reader, but this is the most reliable official news we have. It will be good to see all five members of the team compete - I am relieved that Mustafina isn't doing all four but worried for her legs on floor; delighted to see Melnikova and Tutkhalyan making such a strong contribution; and pleased that Afanasyeva is having a chance to try out her training, despite what might be a small injury. Spiridonova is also looking good for bars, in fact to me she is underused here. Good luck! Udachi! To all the team. We are very excited to see you compete and do well! The start lists can be found here - http:/...
Hmmmm, I think is is great how wonderful of a leader Mustafina is, but at the same time, it seems unhealthy that the gymnasts are having a hard time without her. Sure, the team total isn't as high and it may be a little disheartening without their leader, but should the individual gymnasts' performance and preparation really be affected that much? I can hardly imagine this happening if, say, Simone Biles got injured and was out.
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