Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

Valentina Rodionenko during podium training.  Courtesy of the RGF Allsport today interviewed the Russian head coach as Russia's women took their first steps in these World Championships.  Competing in the first subdivision, on the first day of the competition, qualifications 'didn't go badly', according to team captain Aliya Mustafina on her Twitter account.  She was right: apart from a hesitant presentation on beam, the team did about as well as could be expected, perhaps even exceeding expectations on vault and floor.  Now read on as Valentina responds to Maria Staroveva's questions directly after the first subdivision. You can say that the girls have qualified normally,  said Valentina Rodionenko. Yes, mistakes were made. But there is nothing wrong with that. Our team took the lead. In three of the four rounds - floor exercise, vault and bars - our gymnasts have been great, they all showed what they are capable. But on the balance beam things went wro...