Part 1 Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko at Europeans this spring RRG: What role does the Russian Minister of Sport, Vitaly Mutko (VM) play in deciding who will lead the Russian gymnastics teams? Does he have any influence over the team’s management? What was his viewpoint on your position? AA: I have met with VM several times; I must say we had good and honest man-to-man conversations and I respect him very much. I don’t believe that he expected for things to take the turn they did with my dismissal and uproar in press. I think that the Rodionenkos didn’t expect that either, they probably thought that they could dismiss me as quietly as they had other coaches. Because the reaction was unexpected, I think that VM found himself in a difficult situation. Who is the Minister? First of all, he must be a damned good politician. Sport in general is like war, and every day you are under attack. He is responsible for a lot daily, ...
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.