Elena Vaitsekhovskaya (26th September) commented on current toings and froings in the Russian camp ( Sports Express ). Vaitsekhovskaya reveals how Anna Dementyeva was needlessly excluded from camp by the Rodionenkos, roster decisions were made that went against the basic interests of the gymnasts, and much more. The key sentence in this excellent piece is, in my opinion : 'Isn’t it a paradox? If we count Mustafina’s medals out of the titles conquered by Russian gymnasts, it becomes quite clear: in this situation, the Federation’s bosses could lose their jobs.' Basically, it appears, Alexandrov was far too good at his job for the liking of the Head Coaches. There is a second part to this article, and many other emerging pieces including interviews with Evgeny Grebenkin, Farhat Mustafin and, at last Andrei Rodionenko. Summaries and key quotes will appear on this blog as soon as possible. But for now, Lupita translates. Read on, enjoy, and comment, plea...
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.