In other news - Artur Dalaloyan, Olympic champion in artistic gymnastics from Russia, has made it clear he will only compete internationally if it is under the Russian flag, with the Russian anthem playing … head coach Valentina Rodionenko fears that the criteria for Russian gymnasts to compete in the Olympics will be even tougher than those for World competition. If gymnasts from CSKA or Dynamo clubs are banned, this rules out Listunova in particular. Finally, sad news that Russian junior Maria Kravchenko (Moscow - coached by Marina Ulyankina) lost her father in the conflict with Ukraine. She is 14 years old.
The Russians during a team talk in training for the World Championships. Courtesy RGF Bronze all the way for Russia then. Beyond the euphoria and surprise of this morning's competition there doesn't really seem to be much to write home about. I am delighted for Aliya personally that the efforts she has made to help the team have provided her with some tangible result, but the principal feeling at the end of the competition is that of relief. As Vaitsekhovskaya said in her article last week, there were no moments of shock and awe from the Russians, and that's what will be needed if they are to compete for gold medals in Rio (translation available here ). Let's consider a timeline of the competition : before, during and after. BEFORE The promise of a return to the Worlds stage by Viktoria Komova gave Russia a feeling of optimism pre-Russia Cup. However, Viktoria's performance at this important competition gave little reason for celebra...
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