Just look at the picture to the left of this post. Recognise it? If you love gymnastics, or are interested in Russian sport, chances are you will know it as the logo of the Dynamo Sports Society, one of the most important sports bodies in Russia and the former Soviet Union. People all over the world are familiar with this logo, for its connections with not only gymnastics, but also football, athletics and many other sports. Dynamo Gymnastics - in particular Moscow Dynamo, the focus of this story - is associated with some of the best gymnastics the world has ever seen. The club’s rich heritage includes multiple World and Olympic Champions, for example, 1984 Alternative Olympics Champion Olga Mostepanova and 1988 Olympic Champion Sergei Kharkov. Today, several members of the national team train there and, looking to the future, there is a vibrant children's programme. However, this heritage – and the potential to create more champions – is...
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.