Part 1 Part 2 Andrei Rodionenko with the USSR women's team (Universiade) in 1985 I think this may be a good place to explain where the Rodionenkos come from, and the past history between us. Some time ago, there was an extremely talented and legendary ice hockey player, Viacheslav Fetisov. Some of you may know that Valentina Rodionenko’s daughter, Lada, is Fetisov’s wife. After finishing his career as an NHL player, he was asked to return to Russia by President Vladimir Putin, and was given the post of Minister of Sport in Russia. Fetisov worked in this role for some time, but before the 2008 Olympic Games in Peking he was dismissed. However, he is still very close to the President and the ruling party in Russia. As I mentioned before, Fetisov played an important role in the Rodionenkos’ return to Russia, and in supporting their continuing position of power there. As you may know, the main coach in gymnastics for a long time was Leonid Arkayev. He was a s...
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.