Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

Aliya Mustafina has said that she will begin training again in December, says Andrei Rodionenko, and he believes that she is strong-willed enough to make the transition back into competitive gymnastics.  Adding that it would be a first for the Russian team, Rodionenko clearly believes that Aliya could still bring a certain something to the sport with her unique determination. http://rsport.ru/artist_gym/20170305/1117267865.html

National head coach Andrei Rodionenko says he feels optimistic about the next four years, based on the number of gymnasts who are showing promise.  He says that the team strategy for both men and women is to prepare two teams each who can compete for places at the Olympics.  It is likely that the excellent competition facilities in Kazan will host another gymnastics competition for the Russians in 2018, adding that they had all enjoyed their time there. Rodionenko went on to say that obviously Dalolyan and Kapitonova had done well here but he isn't ready to name the teams for Euros (!).  A decision will be made based on performance in training over the next four weeks. http://rsport.ru/artist_gym/20170305/1117268356.html

Looking well ahead (there are another six weeks to go before the European Championships) Valentina Rodionenko has outlined a few assumptions for the final team selection. Injury apart, those who are guaranteed a place on the teams are Artur Dalolyan and Natalia Kapitonova. Also selected are Nikita Nagorny, David Belyavski, Seda Tutkhalyan and Angelina Melnikova, as well as Elena Eremina.  Vladislav Polyashov has a good chance, and the coaches will also be watching Viktoria Trykina closely. European Championships - 19 to 23 April.  This time in Romania, the 2017 Champs will be individual AA and EF only.  I am surprised not to see Lankin mentioned here. http://tass.ru/sport/4071960