Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

The Russian men's team looks likely to make more of an impression here in London than they did in Beijing four years ago, where two bronzes were their total accomplishment.  If team coach Valentina Rodionenko has it right, the team has halted their decline since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and Russian gymnastics is ready to make a statement.  For the men, this is likely to mean medals in apparatus finals.  Less likely are medals in the team or all around contests, thanks to a team weakness on the pommel horse and the competitiveness of the international field, where four teams can fight for bronze (Russia, Germany, Britain and USA).  But the team does look ready to compete.  Yesterday's quick hits from men's podium training emphasised the team's strength on rings and vault, with the fiery Denis Ablyazin looking a likely contender for gold on floor and vault.  Russia perform charismatic gymnastics and add excitement, charm and beauty to their arsen...

Andrei Rodionenko has made his announcement of the final five men to travel to London on the 21st July. The selection - Denis Ablyazin, Emin Garibov, David Belyavski, Igor Pakhomenko and Alexander Balandin - relies on youth and ambition, showing a real focus on the longer term development of the men's team prospects. Two of the team (all arounders Belyavski and Garibov) have yet to turn 20, while the oldest, Balandin, only turned 23 last month. Big medals are not expected this year, but the balance between all around potential and individual event talent could see the Russians cause some surprises in London.   Denis Mikhailovich Ablyazin born 3rd August 1992 Trains at - Penza, Moscow Dynamo Coach - Sergei Starkin Triple European bronze medallist Denis Ablyazin is the firecracker of the Russian team.  He has the world's highest difficulty level on floor and could well compete for gold there and on vault.  Detractors complain that Ablyazin's floor routine pa...