Rostov-on-Don in the south of Russia is one of those places with a distinctive gymnastics history. Those who trained there include many trailblazers of new and interesting work. The story began back in the 1960s when an ambitious coach, Vladislav Rotstorotski, moved to Rostov from Voronezh. In Voronezh, he had served his coaching apprenticeship with Yuri Shtuckman, another coach leader in Soviet gymnastics. Rotstorotski’s move to Rostov facilitated his training partnership with 1972 Olympic All Around champion, Liudmilla Tourischeva. Fast on her heels came beam genius Svetlana Grozdova, who competed at the 1976 Olympics. And behind Grozdova, a rapid succession of innovators, fighters and artists. Natalia Shaposhnikova, Natalia Yurchenko. Alla Shishova all came from Rotstorotski’s group, and all made their mark on the sport. Rostov remains a special place for gymnastics. In 2000 Elen...
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.