National team coach Alexander Alexandrov at the recent press day There is a great radio interview with Russian team coach Alexander Alexandrov at NPR . Alexandrov acknowledges the disadvantages Russia face: no Amanar vaults to date because of the injuries to Komova and Mustafina, and the American girls are all more athletic than the Russians (but do not benefit from the constant attentions of specialist choreographers, making them less elegant). He rates the team's chances of gold as about 50-50, with probably the highest chances on the bars, but the lowest on the vault. Veteran Lidia Ivanova, however, points out that the funding from VTB Bank has improved conditions and attracted top coaches like Alexandrov back to Russia - stating that 'You Americans should be getting nervous'.
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.