.. Russian gymnastics journalist, Natalia Kalugina, got a chance to talk with national head coach Rodionenko about the new season, the new Olympic cycle, and what plans the Russians have for this year.
… I’ll hit upon the key points from this interview that would be of interest to Russian gymnastics followers.
The points:
– Rodionenko isn’t too worried about the global financial crisis, which has recently started to affect Russia. He says that the Russian Gymnastics Federation hasn’t been hit by the crisis like other sports have. They are still continuing to receive sufficient funding to revamp their program (which I can believe since they just got new contracts to bring back Ostapenko and Alexandrov!).
– The Russian agenda this year is quite small. The only important competitions they have in mind for 2009 is the European Championships in Milan, the World Championships in London, and the Russian Championships in Bryansk (hometown of Lozhechko). The Russian Championships will take place the first week of March. All other international competitions this year are up in the air depending on the health of the gymnasts and their preparations.
– Many juniors have been relocated to the national training center to train with the seniors. Rodionenko is already thinking about preparing them for 2012.
– Maxim Devyatovsky continues to be a nuisance. Rodionenko jokes that this boy is a disease to his age!
… read more – Senor Nico – International Gymnast forum
UPDATE: Triple Full posted a translation of the interview: Andrey Rodionenko: “I Would Call This the Year of Renewal”
Gymnastics Coaching.com 