Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

"In Rio, we must go and win" In an interview with Oksana Tonkacheeva of Novyi Izvestia, two-time Olympic champion Svetlana Khorkina has expressed some outspoken opinions about the Russian team and the forthcoming Olympics.   The occasion is her appointment as First Deputy Chief of CSKA (Moscow CSKA is the home club of Aliya Mustafina and Anastasia Grishina).  This is a significant development - the appointment was made by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.  World champion biathlete Svetlana Ishmuratova has been appointed to a similar position.  The overall head of CSKA is Colonel Baryshev. [Ed's note - It is interesting to see the growing profile of CSKA as a national force in implementing training strategy in the Russian Federation.] Svetlana says she is grateful for the confidence the Minister placed in her and that she feels she has always been able to make a difference to Russia's performance in the sporting arena.  'I  hope that my knowledge and skills wi...

Isa Alexandrova has kindly translated Alexander's interview word for word.  It gives a  different emphasis in some places to my summary, and adds some more information, so I wanted readers to have access to this right away.  With many thanks to Isa. 1) Alexander didn't quite imply that he is ready to come back to Russia by the end of this year if there is an offer. He said that "it is still hurtful for me to think the way I was treated in 2012. However, enough time had passed, that I was able to better analyze the situation, and I understand that perhaps I did some things not the best way. At that time, I was working for the "final result" and did not pay attention to much else. Mutko and I had a conversation before I left, where he let me know that he didn't want me to leave. Now, the only way I could talk about my coming back is when and if he calls me. I am not going to invite myself back. I am ready to come back to Russia if I am wanted, but I do...

Legendary coach Alexander Alexandrov - head coach of the Russian team from 2009 to 2013 - has given a series of interviews, in the Russian language, to Tass correspondent Albert Starodubtsev. They are fascinating reading.  It is clear that Alexandrov has serious worries about the state of the training system in Russia, and  he has some choice words about head coach Valentina Rodionenko, and her notorious press statements.  He also expresses some concerns about coaching provision for Russia's big star, Aliya Mustafina.  He says he would consider returning to Russia if invited by Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko.  In particular he would look to train young up and coming coaches with the fire and energy to drive the Russian system forward.  It is important to remember the context in which Alexandrov's statement was made, so as not to get carried away.  As I read this, the possibility of his return to Russia is probably low given the timin...

Valentina at the Russia Cup earlier this summer.  Picture courtesy of the RGF Speaking via the official website of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation, Valentina Rodionenko calls for investment in Crimea's gymnastics facilities in Yalta, both for local improvement and to provide the national team with opportunities for warm weather training prior to the Rio Olympics.  She suggests that coaches from Ukraine's war-torn cities of Donetsk and Lugansk who have expressed an interest in working for Russia, may find employment there. Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko met with the Russian national team in gymnastics during a visit to "Round Lake".   State Coach Valentina Rodionenko told press that one of the main themes of discussion was the Federal Target Programme "Development of physical culture and sports in Russia for 2006-2015". - We are very pleased that the Minister took the time to talk with the team, and answer all the questions from the 'excited...

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko visited Burtasy Palace of Sports, Penza , yesterday and congratulated the regional leadership on its management of sports in the region. The facility houses both a swimming pool and gymnasium. 2012 Olympic medallist and 2013 European Vault Champion Denis Ablyazin has his home in Penza and trains at this school under coach Valeri Starkin. Sports Minister Mutko meats with local dignitaries and athletes at Burtasy Palace of Sports, Penza, host to the upcoming Russia Cup gymnastics competition (begins 15th August) The School is the regular base for national competitions such as the Russia Cup and Russian Championships. As mentioned in a recent RRG report , this is made possible by the investment of the local government, who allow the RGF to use the facility free of charge. Mascot of Spartakiade Chairman of the regional Sports Committee, Artur Panteleev, noted that following on from the European Championships (held in Moscow this spring) ...