Russian Head Coach and his often controversial wife, Valentina. Courtesy RGF There has been a symphony of voices in the Russian press over past weeks as the results of the Olympics are reviewed and considered; you can find translations of some of the key works on this blog including a partial transcription of a press conference featuring most of the gymnasts and coaches, and interviews with the national coaches and gymnasts. The key focus of this coverage, rather than on gymnasts' performance, is on national coaching provision: will contracts be renewed, and were all members of the national teams provided with equal coaching support. So far, much of this controversy seems to have focussed on the women's team. Two warring factions have emerged: the Rodionenkos alongside Sergei Zelikson (personal coach to Anastasia Grishina) and Marina Ulyankina (Maria Paseka) appear to be at odds with WAG national coach Alexander Alexandrov. In p...
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.