Did you see Olga Korbut on TV earlier this week? There she sat, a big smile on her face, every bit the naughty little Munchkin we all knew back in 1972. The gymnasts need to smile more, to be beautiful, and to entertain, she said. I, and several others, wish alike. It's 40 years since we have seen her like at the Olympics; yes, Nadia came four years later and entranced us with her steely perfection, but it was Olga who stole our hearts. Where will the next Olga come from? Will there ever be another? Perhaps not ... time has passed, we are all more media-savvy and cynical, athletes more contrived and less spontaneous, the sport's Code of Points denuded of the semantic subtleties of the unique, expressive artistry that the world found so enchanting. But sitting there, amongst the judges, is a woman who was once as charming and delightful as Olga could ever be ... a former gymnast who thanks to the vagaries of world politics and the sheer depth...
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.