Skip to main content

European Championships 2013 - updates


Greetings from sunny Moscow - it really is a beautiful day here.  I arrived last night in one piece, slept well, had a hearty breakfast, and made my way to the stadium this morning with only one slight hiatus that involved a conversation with a Russian road sweeper, who pointed out to me that I had got off the Metro at the wrong stop.  This isn't covered in the phrase books and since I do not speak Russian, it took some understanding.  He was a very nice road sweeper and I am grateful for his kindness. Hey ho I finally overcame the odds and arrived just in time to see both Belyavski and Ignatyev land their vaults on their tight little bottoms.  I'm now wondering if David Belyavski will hang onto his first place all around in the face of an outstanding showing from Britain's Max Whitlock (but which would be less threatening to Belyavski had the Russian actually managed to go six for six).

It's sunny outside, the birdies are tweeting ... and, of course, I am sitting inside a harshly lit arena with my laptop on my knee, watching the gymnastics competition ... this probably confirms what most people who know me already think (yes, I have only one knee). 

If you want comprehensive quick hits of all the excitement, you should follow the UEG Facebook page.

I will be updating Russian highlights on my Facebook page as much as possible during qualifications, assuming the battery life of my computer holds out long enough to get me to the end.  Each day I am also aiming to upload the key results and links as well as present my own completely biassed account of events and happenings - for you to comment on. 

One subdivision to come, starting at 6 pm Moscow time, so let's see how things pan out.  I'm hoping we will see the Russian men qualify strongly across the board.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

We are satisfied - Aliya Mustafina

Photo credit: RGF An Allsport interview today with Aliya Mustafina : http://www.allsportinfo.ru/index.php?id=83075 'I think that we are to be congratulated on this bronze medal, we are more satisfied than frustrated', said Aliya Mustafina. 'We were a new team, all the girls are young, and it's their first time in such a serious competition.  I think today we performed to the best of our ability.  Yes, we have had two falls today - on the uneven bars and balance beam.' 'The young girls failed  psychologically, but  the first time you compete on the senior podium - it's not very easy.  No  one is sad.  I  am very pleased with such a performance.  Everything  was fair enough, maybe not everywhere and in all things, but overall it was quite as expected, both our rivals, and the judging.' 'I began to experience more pain in the ankle - continued Aliya Mustafina. - To do the dismounts I had to muster all my strength and clench my teeth.  The coaches have d

Simone and the others - results and reflections

In the end, it was as predicted : Simone and the others, with Simone's teammate, Alexandra Raisman, providing the back up.  I do not need to point out that, by definition, the Americans are scoring significantly higher marks than the rest of the field.  Congratulations to them! Aliya Mustafina finished in third place.  The 2012 bronze medalist led the competition after vault and uneven bars, but had a very nervous outing on beam that might have taken a less experienced gymnast out of the medals.  A bravura performance on floor brought Aliya back though to confirm her third place all around.  From her senior debut in 2010 to today, Mustafina has continuously set high standards of grace.    It is the first time since 2000 that a gymnast (Amanar) has medalled in the all around at two consecutive Olympics, and  if Aliya can medal on Saturday's uneven bars final, she will once again be Russia's biggest medal winner of the women's gymnastics.  Russia's second gymnast, Sed

Russia defend team silver medal in Rio

It was an emotional performance and an emotional reaction at the end - but Russia is now second in the world in both MAG and WAG! The team did well, exploiting its strengths on bars and vault, and holding its own on beam.  Seda Tutkhalyan really showed her maturity and mettle with an almost perfect showing on beam and a solid, if not faultless, display on floor.  Maria Paseka did her best ever Amanar vault.  Aliya Mustafina ... was Mustafina.  Taking her fifth Olympic medal here, she scored over 60 in the AA.   The best work did come from the 2012 veterans, although Seda on beam and Daria on bars do have that special mark of Russian innovation and skill.  Angelina Melnikova looked perhaps a little overwhelmed at times - though I personally love her emotion - but this was only her first Olympics and I am certain she will be back for more.  Should she have had her personal coach on the floor with her?  It might have given her more assurance.  Is that hamstring still troubling her?  Why d

RRG Archive - scroll by date, from 2024 to 2010

Show more