Four years ago, we were eagerly awaiting the upcoming Youth Olympic Games, and the name on everyone's lips was Viktoria Komova, who was confidently expected to win the gold medal at these Games in the all-around competition. Komova had contributed significantly to her team's victory at the Junior European Championships that spring, and was reigning Junior European Champion. The 15-year-old was under a great deal of pressure. Expectations ran high as Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin publicly expressed his expectation that Russia's young athletes would win ample gold at this first Youth Olympic Games. Viktoria, well known in the gymnastics world as the daughter of former gymnastics world champion Vera Kolesnikova, headlined many media appearances and was highly touted as a likely gold medallist. She delivered in style, scoring a total of 61.25 ahead of China's Tan Sixin (58.5) and Carlotta Ferlito from Italy (55.35), and went on to win a further three m...
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.