Denis Ablyazin. Picture courtesy of Moskva Sportivnaya Denis Ablyazin, fast rising star of Russian - and world - gymnastics, spoke to Moskva Sportivnaya on Wednesday and addresses his recovery from injury, future prospects, life at Lake Krugloye and the forthcoming Moscow European Championships. The following is a brief summary of key points. Denis sold his car awarded as a prize after his silver medal winning performances in London, and bought a lovely apartment in his hometown, Penza, instead. He does not want to live in Moscow as it is too hectic there. His injury was a broken heel suffered when he missed a pit landing and hit his foot on concrete. In gymnastics, he says it is considered better to break a bone than tear a ligament. While he was in plaster, he could do conditioning work, and the benefits can be seen in his work on rings, where he has added a strength element. He is not quite ready to vault at his pr...
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.