Head coach Valery Alfosov has unreservedly supported Russian AA champion Nikolai Kuksenkov, naming him to a group of ten gymnasts eligible for participation in Rio even though the gymnast's selection for international competition is currently impossible due to a positive drugs test.
The RGF is employing Swiss lawyers to defend Kuksenkov's 'honour and innocence'. Russian gymnasts stopped taking meldonium last August 2015 although the drug is known for remaining in the system for long periods of time. Other gymnasts have shown traces of the drug in their samples, but Kuksenkov's was 'scanty' but minimally over the limit. No Russian gymnast should have this problem, says Alfosov. (Rodionenko earlier pointed out that gymnasts only take those supplements and medications given to them by the team doctor; they are not even permitted to buy over the counter cold medications or to self medicate at all).
Alfosov said that five gymnasts would travel to Rio, and two reserves, 'off list', who would act as reserve in the event of illness or injury. The final selection would be made on the basis of performance at the Europeans and Russia Cup.
The ten gymnasts training for Rio are -
Denis Ablyazin
David Belyavski
Nikita Ignatyev
Emin Garibov
Nikita Nagorny
Artur Dalolyan
Ivan Stretovich
Vladislav Polyashov
Dmitri Lankin
Nikolai Kuksenkov
Of interest to this case - http://townhall.com/news/world/2016/04/06/ibu-says-it-will-delay-rulings-on-meldonium-doping-cases-n2144316
ReplyDeleteHello Queen Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI am off topic with this message, but I am wondering what you thought of the Russian Nationals. I was happy to Mustafina look good, but I hope they are not pushing her too early. What did you think of the competition and how team Russia looks?
Please bear with me - it was an extremely interesting competition and I have lots to say. Will be posting in the coming days.
DeleteBTW I think Aliya chose to compete. And I think despite doctor's orders etc it was a good thing. It is really now or never if she wants to be ready for Rio.
Thanks for the reply! I look forward to reading your assessment. I was surprised to see how good she looked on both bars and beam so soon after her treatment. She's such a fighter. Cheers!
DeleteI'd like to hear your analysis on Tutkhalyan. Seda has such a difficult and interesting program which could challenge the top 3 AA gymnasts in Rio, like Biles, if she manages to stabilize it well and upgrade vault. Valentina seemed not enthusiastic about Seda's difficulty rather than stability. Can't wait to hear from you on that. Alfi
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