I awoke this morning to a very simple statement from Viktoria Komova, on her vk.com site, which Papa Liukin has translated (via the IG forum): 'Dear friends, fans, and gymnastics lovers. Unfortunately back pain isn't allowing me to train to my full potential and get ready for competitions. I've made the very difficult decision to stop training and take care of my health. I want to thank everyone for their support! Without your love and warmth it would've been more difficult to go all the way. Thanks everyone and see you soon! Love and kisses.' Well, first of all, good wishes and best of luck to Viktoria, who has struggled since 2012 to re-establish herself fully as a competitive gymnast, whose talent was so great that she secured gold on bars at two different World Championships, four years apart, whose career was littered with controversy, who must be allowed to live her life as she wishes. I know that the 'gymternet' will now be overflowing...
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.

Leonid Arkayev for Aliya's coach!
ReplyDeleteThe whole Russian team to run up hill!
Better dance training that includes other types of dancing besides ballet!
More tumbling drills instead of walking while drinking coffee!
Get a better vault coach!
Fix the helicopters legs!
Get rid of Valentina!
All of the above, plus better conditioning!!! They need to be in shape.
ReplyDeleteRussiafan
to stop taking one week breaks every 3 weeks
ReplyDeleteYes! I agree the best approach towards the russian teams success is better conditioning, better vault training and a coach for aliya!
ReplyDeleteI have always supported the return Arkayev after Alexandrov resign
DeleteI have been calling for him since Alexandrov left. The guy made the Soviet tradition and headed the federation for ages. He is knonw the politics, strategies and the technicalities. He managed the Russian team to during the worst historical gymnastics time. He is the one who recruited Alexandrov. He advised the Koreans on building their vault capacity.
ReplyDeleteWhat else could be better?
Alfi
If they want to bet on artistry, they definitively need a better choreographer, Soviet if possible +a better choice of music.
ReplyDeleteFor those who want Arkayev or Rastorotski back, they are 74 and 81 so there might be someone younger.
They need better conditioning for sure. They need to hire a trainer specifically for that and get their butts in gear. No more walking around the lake, more like running three miles around the lake.
ReplyDelete