Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

Nico Jackson writes Here is a detailed schedule of the men’s championships this week. Unfortunately a full roster of participants doesn’t seem to be available, but as far as I know all the major names plan to compete with the exception of  Emin   Garibov . If anyone has additional information on the competitors, please feel free to leave a comment. All times are local Penza/Moscow time (GMT/UTC +04:00) Wednesday - April 9, 2014 - Junior Qualification & Team Final 12:00-14:00 - Session I FX: Southern Federal District PH: Central Federal District-I SR: Northern Caucasian Federal District VT: Ural Federal District PB: Northwestern Federal District HB: mixed group 14:10-16:10 - Session II FX: Moscow PH: Volga Federal District-II SR: Volga Federal District-I VT: Far Eastern Federal District PB: St. Petersburg HB: Siberian Federal District Thursday - April 10, 2014 - Senior Qualification & All-Around Final 12:00-14:00 - Session I FX: Northwestern Federal District PH: Far Eas...

After two ankle surgeries in six months, World, Universiade and European Champion Ksenia Afanasyeva wasn't supposed to be at these Championships.  At the last minute, however, she made the decision to put in a showing and help her team.  Ksenia's face, most of all, shows how important her gymnastics is to her.  These pictures, by Elena Mikhailova for the Russian Gymnastics Federation, all convey an emotion, an atmosphere that is somehow unique to Afanasyeva. Welcome back, Ksenia . Thoughtful, before her first performance Imperious, eternally elegant A breathtaking leap Typical Afanasyeva .. Complex shapes, curves and angles Unique floor level movement Ksenia's eyeline, hands and foot draw the focus in one direction, just as the movement is about to turn the other. Balletic leap, caught in an off balance moment.  The angle of the head and arms provides a match to the position of the legs. Practising vault under the watchful eye of Marina Nazarova, Ksenia's coach since...