Former Soviet National Coach Alexander Alexandrov spent 15 years in the USA before returning to his homeland to resume the position as Head Coach of the Women’s National Team.
How is it going for Alexander?
Russians finished in the top 2 AA spots at Europeans:
1st – Ksenia Semenova – 58.175
2nd – Ksenia Afanasyeva -57.600
He’s cautiously optimistic that Russia will again challenge for World and Olympic titles. The first BIG test will be World Championships.
.. we will select the strongest gymnasts to go to London in the autumn. The Americans and Chinese will be there. But I do not think we will be merely “extras”. I think the Russian team will be strong competition for any other team.”
VIOLA ROADKILL quotes an Alexander Alexandrov interview – I hope that our team will have confidence to compete with China and America as equals
Here’s a good edit of “glory years” Soviet Gymnastics artistry. And some HUGE skills.
Click PLAY or watch it on Gymnastike.
Artistry Is Dead posted another 19 excellent videos on Gymnastike. Check them out.
6 comments ↓
I’d really love to see Kramarenko, Semyonova, Goryunova, and Afanasyeva
but I think someone will be replaced by Berger since she’s got a chance at VT
I would pick Kramarenko over Afanasyeva, though, she’s more trustworthy, though I think Goryunova will be tossed aside if that happens
Semenova and Afanasyeva are basically guaranteed a place.
If Kramarenko is back by then I’d definitely take her too.
I’d love to see Goryunova there. If it was a team Worlds she’d be a definite but I don’t think she’s got much hope of making an impact at an individual Worlds. Beam is a possibility but her hit rate isn’t high enough. I think I’d probably take Berger over her because, with the way vault is looking this year, she has an outside chance at a medal.
Holy hell, was that a twisting Korbut flip? THat is INSANE.
Also love those tumbling passes that just dont stop.
staldter, hop endo, immediate double front half out…..free hip, tkatchev on low bar…..wow, there’s some amazing stuff in there Rick…..this is best gym blog on the ‘net, keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks Jim.
Glad you are enjoying it.
Oh my goodness, was that a Hindorff on the low bar at 3:18?
Who was that?
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