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Pacific Rim Event Final Videos - the Russian gymnasts

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The USA Gymnastics federation has done a great job of posting videos from the Pacific Rim competition. 

Here are a few of the key Russians.

Maria Kharenkova, floor (bronze medal)  SV 5.4, E 8.55

She makes nice eye contact and is expressive for such a young girl.  The music requires more of her than mere poses.  Very energetic and fast in her tumbling.  I could watch this floor routine over and again.



Grigory Zyrianov, pommel horse (silver medal) SV 5.2 E 8.8

It's just so good to see a Russian perform pommels without an error.  Zyrianov has good line and looks composed and determined.



Ekaterina Baturina, uneven bars (7th place) SV 5.1 E 8.075

Baturina comes off on her Pak here, and has a tic in its performance, splaying her feet outwards like little cats' ears.  Yes, they are flexed, but they are flexed with style.  And just watch how she swings!!



Sergei Stepanov, rings (silver) SV 5.4, E 8.75

I love the facial expressions at the beginning ;-)  I also really like his dismount, a 1.5 twisting double back.



Maria Kharenkova, beam (bronze) SV 5.5 E 8.525

I think it is the pace and confidence of Maria's work that is so impressive - she is almost American in this respect.  Otherwise, her line is good enough throughout the exercise.  She is a little less flexible in her shoulder girdle than most Russians.



Find more at the USA Gymnastics Youtube channel.
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