whither Russian Gymnastics?

Despite better results that I would have predicted, there’s been some backlash in the Russian media after London. The profile of Olympic sport is high in Putinland leading up to the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.

Queen Elizabeth tries to sort information from disinformation:

… The key focus of this coverage, rather than on gymnasts’ performance, is on national coaching provision: will contracts be renewed, and were all members of the national teams provided with equal coaching support. …

… The vocal and very public nature of dissent and conflict within the Russian teams is uncharacteristic of Andrei Rodionenko’s management style and of the successes he has created in past years. Why now should the somewhat strident voice of Valentina become dominant? At 70 years old, an age when most people are considering retirement, Andrei faces another four years in a highly demanding and stressful job …

… Is there anyone ready to replace Andrei Rodionenko at the top of the sport? …

Must read – Rewriting Russian Gymnastics – The new Russian Revolution – the storming of Lake Krugloye

More questions than answers.

This may be the most important quote from the article:

… generally in Russia, coaches are coaches and do not have the entrepreneurial skills to develop and maintain the multiple streams of income necessary to run a financially healthy gymnastics business. …

Can nations with small elitist programs (Russia, China, Romania) compete with the USA long term?

If you’re putting a wager on the women’s Artistic medals for Rio, bet USA. The American team is deepest. The American system the most stable.