One of the best interviews I’ve read.
… Aliya Mustafina won the Russian Championships in Penza, and Komova didn’t compete there. Thus, the battle between our two superstars is once again postponed …
– “We’re saving Komova” explained Alexandrov, ”Vika, as you know, was injured last year, and one cannot force (speed up) the training. The main goal – the Olympics. We’ll take Vika to the Europeans championships. She won’t do all the events
When she was injured last season, Aliya lost her main funding — the “presidential scholarship”. Fortunately, they found money from other sources.
After Anastasia Sidorova injured her elbow falling off a bicycle, National Team gymnasts are banned from riding bikes.
And it’s not only bikes.
… Since Bilozerchev crashed in an accident before the Olympics, it is strictly prohibited to get behind the wheel until they finish their career in gymnastics. …
That’s severe. But recall that World’s Bronze medalist Yury Ryazanov was killed driving a car in 2009.
Perhaps it’s just the women’s team banned from driving.
Well worth a read: Mustafina, Alexandrov and Rodionenko Speak…
Source: sovsport.ru
Translator: Rachael L.
Russia doesn’t have much depth. They need to keep their gymnasts healthy if they’ve any chance to challenge the USA.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 