Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

Legendary coach Vladislav Rotstorotsky, genius, innovator, and 'infinitely kind' according to top Russian sports journalist Elena Vaitsekhovskaya, died yesterday aged 85.   Vladislav coached Soviet heroes Lioudmilla Tourischeva, Natalia Shaposhnikova and Natalia Yurchenko amongst others, including 1981 Soviet team member Alla Shishova.  His creative work shaped much of the art of gymnastics on show today.  On vault, bars, beam and floor his gymnasts innovated and amazed.  The names of Yurchenko and Shaposhnikova are engraved in the sport's vocabulary. Rotstorotsky believed in gymnastics as an end to itself.  Gold medals were not the only aim.  A favourite saying of his was 'Do not shame gymnastics'.  He encouraged his athletes to participate in the arts and to enjoy literature, encouraging them to borrow books from his own private library.  'If those with whom I work grow up to be good and truthful people, it has been worth it all', he said. ...

Why did Katya Sokova retire?  Here's why - a sad and shocking story of neglect and a seriously hurt 16 year old 😔http://israeligymnerd.blogspot.co.il/2017/04/sokova-on-ending-her-career.html

Plans for the Olympics, the family cat, how Aliya managed her nerves in 2012 and much more - translation on Liubov's blog http://israeligymnerd.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/aliya-mustafina-radio-interview.html?m=1

Aliya Mustafina has said that she will begin training again in December, says Andrei Rodionenko, and he believes that she is strong-willed enough to make the transition back into competitive gymnastics.  Adding that it would be a first for the Russian team, Rodionenko clearly believes that Aliya could still bring a certain something to the sport with her unique determination. http://rsport.ru/artist_gym/20170305/1117267865.html

National head coach Andrei Rodionenko says he feels optimistic about the next four years, based on the number of gymnasts who are showing promise.  He says that the team strategy for both men and women is to prepare two teams each who can compete for places at the Olympics.  It is likely that the excellent competition facilities in Kazan will host another gymnastics competition for the Russians in 2018, adding that they had all enjoyed their time there. Rodionenko went on to say that obviously Dalolyan and Kapitonova had done well here but he isn't ready to name the teams for Euros (!).  A decision will be made based on performance in training over the next four weeks. http://rsport.ru/artist_gym/20170305/1117268356.html

Looking well ahead (there are another six weeks to go before the European Championships) Valentina Rodionenko has outlined a few assumptions for the final team selection. Injury apart, those who are guaranteed a place on the teams are Artur Dalolyan and Natalia Kapitonova. Also selected are Nikita Nagorny, David Belyavski, Seda Tutkhalyan and Angelina Melnikova, as well as Elena Eremina.  Vladislav Polyashov has a good chance, and the coaches will also be watching Viktoria Trykina closely. European Championships - 19 to 23 April.  This time in Romania, the 2017 Champs will be individual AA and EF only.  I am surprised not to see Lankin mentioned here. http://tass.ru/sport/4071960

  Doctors have given 2012 Olympian Viktoria Komova the all clear to begin light training and make a gradual recovery this year, reports her father, Alexander Komov. Viktoria missed last year's Olympics with severe back pain caused by a stress fracture in her vertebrae.  Komov emphasised that it is still early days, and they don't know if the pain levels will return as the workload increases - only time will tell.  But Viktoria has a clear intention to make her way back into training. Good luck to Vika!  Let's hope to see her competing in good health once more. Source -  http://tass.ru/sport/4028089