Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

Andrei Rodionenko's 8th July announcement shows the rapidly changing fortunes of the Russian women's team, who left the 2008 Beijing Olympics empty handed.  Only floor specialist Ksenia Afanasyeva, who turns 21 this September, has survived the last four years at the highest level.  Of the remaining gymnasts one - Aliya Mustafina - made her senior debut in 2010, while Viktoria Komova debuted at last autumn's World Championships.  Newcomers Anastasia Grishina and Maria Paseka have no previous experience of major world level competition.  Yet all five gymnasts promise something unique and exciting.  This is a risky team, but the Russians will not win in London by playing safe. Score predictions show the Americans as the overwhelming favourites for the team title in London.  But these calculations are based on home judging and in London marks will be awarded on level terms for all the teams.  Predictions can also never take into account the effects - pos...