Russia's MAG didn't have the greatest qualifications yesterday, with Ablyazin, Garibov, and Kuksenkov all failing to make their individual event finals. It was that kind of day for lots of gymnasts. For example, the whole world gasped as pommel horse specialist Kristian Berki took a fall and missed out on his expected place in Saturday's final. Gymnasts such as Britain's Daniel Keatings and Ukraine's Oleg Vernaiev and Igor Radivilov all took disappointments. It is the job of gymnasts to put their necks on the line and perform their best when the green light shines. Gymnastics, more than any other sport, is brutally efficient at weeding out those who are unready for those vital few minutes of performance, either mentally or physically. And sometimes gymnasts just have a bit of bad luck. Nevertheless, there is some light on the horizon as Alexander Balandin qualified to rings final, showing his newly accredited element and some great style. He is in fourth...
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.