Aerial view of Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro. It's 2016, a year of many hopes and promises for us all, Olympians or not. We are all looking forward at this time of the year and I hope everyone achieves at least a little of what they plan. Begin your work now, and enjoy the journey. Most of all I wish everyone much happiness and peace. In Russia, the gymnasts are back at Lake Krugloye and beginning their preparations for the summer, 'step by step' as Aliya Mustafina put it this morning on her Instagram. Sergei Starkin has been keen to stress the importance of the men's team and in particular Denis Ablyazin to Russia's Olympic effort. Valentina Rodionenko has made some announcements of team membership for the summer Olympics, but these are too early to make any difference - everyone is training for the Games and the key decisions will be taken much later in the year. The announcements were initially made via the Russian Olympic C...
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.