Russia did well in the first, qualifying, day of competition in Tokyo, taking 2nd place in the team competition behind a solid USA, with youngster Viktoria Komova taking top position- by a whisker - in the all around. It was a good performance from a team relatively weakened by the absence of world champion and team leader Aliya Mustafina, and a lingering injury to last year's Youth Olympics Champion Komova. Newcomers Yulia Inshina and Yulia Belokobylskaya performed a fantastic job for the team as strong lead off gymnasts. Beginning on bars, the team had no margin for error. Inshina, starting up, had no previous experience of major international competition but showed no sign of nerves as she went through her routine flawlessly. She is an enchanting little gymnast who performs her floor and beam routines with her head a little to one side, as if deep in contemplation. A personal characteristic that adds no end of expression to her work. A nice rewar...
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.