Politician Vladimir Gruzdev, Governor of Tula Oblast, Afanasyeva's home region, has officially congratulated the senior national team member for her outstanding performance, winning a gold medal on floor and a bronze on vault, at this weekend's European Championships. "The gold medal in the floor exercise was the result of hard work, perseverance and determination. Your countrymen are proud of your achievements! I am confident that a strong character and skill will continue to serve as collateral for your athletic success." Vladimir Gruzdev wished Ksenia health, luck and new bright victories! Tula and local coach Marina Nazarova have long been important to Russian gymnastics. As well as Afanasyeva, Tula is also home to 2009 world bars champion and 2010 team world champion, Ksenia Semenova. Maria Zasypkina, 2001 world team silver medallist, also trained in Tula with Nazarova. This is an impressive track record. The high profile victories of the Russian gymnasts i...
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.