Rewriting Russian Gymnastics has a terrific post up on the friendly rivalry between GBR and Russia. And the special relationship with famed Nikolai Tolkachev Gymnastics School, Vladimir, Russia.
Len Arnold of the new Europa Gym Centre outside London on the 2012 Olympics:
… ‘In my lifetime, I never thought I would see British Gymnastics win four medals in the Olympics, never thought I would see Britain above Russia in the medals table’, says Len, with a twinkle in his eye.
‘I cheekily phoned up Vitaly [Director of Vladimir School] after the Olympics and said, would you like me to send an English coach over? …
Vitaly laughed …’
25 years ago, when the first exchange programme with Vladimir took place, world gymnastics was dominated by the Soviet Union, and Vladimir was the home of 1988 Olympic all around Champion, Vladimir Artemov. …
read more – Sport and friendship …
In 2013 the Olympic Bronze* medal GBR Team is very competitive with Russia. And the future looks bright for GBR. They’ve got many young guys coming up. Even without Louis Smith GBR is likely the strongest Pommel team in the world.
Click PLAY or watch Nile Wilson – High Bar on YouTube. (14.400)
That’s from the recent London Open competition. Nile won that apparatus and the AA.
@NileMW is competing Japan Jr this weekend.
* Yes. GBR should have won the Silver in Team.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 