All the latest people news from Russia! The teams from Russia are enjoying a recovery break in Antalya, Turkey, this week and last. Elizaveta Us took this selfie with Liudmilla Roschina, Milena Kaiumova, Anna Kalmykova, Viktoria Listunova, Alena Glotova à nd Zlata Osokina. Senior coach of the junior team, World and multiple Olympic Champion Aliya Mustafina is also with the team, and has her daughter with her. Meanwhile, in his home town of Ekaterinberg, David Belyavski is training every day to prepare for his national championships. He expects to compete on parallel bars and pommel, although he admits he doesn't really know ... it depends how his training goes. David is now 34 years old and a dedicated father to his daughter, Alyssa, 8. Alyssa trains every day as a tennis player, and has already taken part in her first tournament. David says that he wants her to understand that if she loves what she does, what she does will love her back in return. Angelina Melnikova continues...
Dmitri Andreev, Russia’s gymnastics leader now that Andrei Rodionenko has stepped into an advisory capacity, is a long standing national coach and well respected international judge. Now, as gymnastics in Russia steps forward onto the international arena once more, (via its neutral athletes, coaches and officials), it’s up to Andreev and his team to support and structure the growth and development of gymnastics. Russia’s first big goal as neutral athletes is to qualify for the Olympics at the October World Championships. Many of the gymnasts have limited experience on the big stage. The necessary placements are therefore a big ask - especially emotionally and psychologically. Here is how Andreev sees things working. 1. Transition Phase: Building Toward Major Goals The Russian team is in a deliberate rebuilding and preparation phase. Early-season competitions like the Russian Cup serve more as evaluation tools than peak performances. The primary obj...