Nikolai Kuksenkov, in training this week for Worlds at Lake Krugloye, has his painful hand treated. RGF Lupita translates an interview with the Russian head coach, Valeri Alfosov: Nikolai Kuksenkov, the winner at the Universiade, has a finger injury [dislocated finger]; he might not compete on all events. 'When will the decision be taken?', asked Sovietski Sport ' In Antwerp, in the final training sessions', replied Alfosov. Kuksenkov thinks that this was a silly injury. He was training bars, and thinks it will be fine by the time that the World championships start. 'We are doing everything' he says. 'Have you seen the new 19 year old gymnast from Japan?' Alfosov replied, ' Kenzo Shirai? I saw his floor clip on the internet. He performs incredible elements in his routine: no double backs, only twists: four twists at the end, triple twisting front.' David Belyavski has an ankle injury but will try to compete in Antwer...
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.