They were brilliant, but did not make it to their final national teams for the World Championships, thanks to the sheer strength in depth of the Soviet team, or because they peaked too young. Enjoy a few of the best gymnasts never seen at World level - perhaps you would like to suggest a few more of your own? Yulia Kut, floor exercise, 1987 Nadezhda Ivanova, beam, 2004 Tatiana Kim, Floor, 1981 Alevtina Pryakhina, beam, 1986 - pity about that dismount Irina Viatinina, floor, 1988 Ekaterina Vandisheva, beam, 1993
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.