Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

I’ve reached a time in my life when it’s more important to watch the birds and listen to my nephews and nieces laughing than it is to write about Russian gymnastics.  I  have a couple of ‘wrap ups’ in the pipeline but that’s all, folks. The Olympics just aren’t the Olympics without the Russians, at least for me.  I wish Russia would put their energy into great sport instead of military endeavours.  I’m no fan of the IOC and the Russian gymnasts did a lot of good for peace and friendship over about 70 years.  But Russia’s leaders are letting their people down.   I’ll continue to walk alongside Angelina Melnikova and will post occasional updates of her work and life on my RRG Facebook page.  She is remarkable.   I hope that Russia’s young gymnasts can find a way to continue what is essentially their livelihood, if necessary by moving overseas.  It would be great if some of them could study abroad. I’m unfollowing Nagorny.  He walked with a...

Yesterday, I published the one thousandth post for RRG since it began, almost five years ago, on September 24th 2010.  Thanks to you, dear readers, the blog has accumulated 3.7 million page views in that time, and has over four thousand followers on its Facebook page.   It has been a fascinating time during which I have travelled to Moscow, interviewed some of my gymnastics idols, and most importantly made friends.  I hope to continue with my work here. I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped with the production of this blog.  I have enjoyed every moment of it, and hope you will stay with me as I continue to develop it.  Welcome to all new readers and contributors, too.  And an especially big thank you to all of you who post such interesting comments.  It has been a great time. In no particular order, and with advance apologies for any omissions. Vladimir Zaglada Lupita Irina from the RGF Leonid from VTB...

The Russian Junior team enjoy some fresh air in Sofia after a hard competition.  Clockwise, from top left : Olga Bulgakova (head coach), Aleksandra Buzdalina (masseuse), Artem Voinov (team coach), Seda Tutkhalyan, Daria Skrypnik, Anastasia Dmitrieva, Maria Bondareva, Angelina Melnikova.  Courtesy : RGF I like comments and discussions, and most of them on this blog are well informed, polite and interesting.  Please do keep posting! However, in past days, some of the comments on this blog have been downright rude, to the extent of attacking the person, rather than arguing the point.   Passionate debate and strong opinions are encouraged, but not name calling, bullying or aimless contradiction of the last post.  I have deleted the worst ones, using a 'light touch' for now.  I  will, however, have to consider further action if individuals persist in behaving so immaturely.  It is time to establish some rules of participation; The best ones I have fou...