Amanda Turner:
Russia Olympians Anna Pavlova and Konstantin Pluzhnikov will now represent Azerbaijan internationally, as will 2011 Russian world team member Yulia Inshina, the FIG announced Thursday. …
The 26-year-old Pluzhnikov, a 2008 Olympian and the 2011 European champion on still rings, reportedly decided to compete for Azerbaijan in 2012 when rival rings specialist Alexander Balandin was chosen over him to represent Russia at the Olympics in London.
Inshina, 18, was a member of Russia’s silver-medal squad from the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, where she finished sixth in the balance beam final.
The former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan, which has a population under 10 million, has produced several strong rhythmic gymnasts who train with the Russian team. The oil-rich nation has not yet had a strong presence in artistic gymnastics, however, but has been attempting to recruit gymnasts from abroad. …
How many Russian gymnasts will Pavs better in AA competition? 🙂
Click PLAY or watch Pluzhnikov’s 2011 Rings on YouTube. (15.466 = Diff: 6.7 / Ex: 8.766)
Gymnastics Coaching.com 