Both The Liukin and RRG linked to a suddenly unearthed translation of a 2011 interview with the current Jr National Coach of Russia, the 1999 World Champion Nikolay Kryukov.
It is superb.
Nikolay Kryukov:
— Who was at Round Lake then, do you remember?
It was 1989. I saw Dima Bilozerchev, Valeriy Liukin, Vitaliy Marinich … and Sergey Kharkov — all the workhorses in gymnastics. They showed great class in their work. I’ll never forget how I watched Igor Korobchinskiy and Vitaliy Shcherbo train. They were competing in routines. Korobchinskiy would get on the apparatus and Leonid Arkayev would give him a 9.75. And Shcherbo would respond: “That’s kind of weak. I’ll do a 9.8”. And Igor would say, “go ahead, try!” And Shcherbo would get up and do it. Perfectly. I was struck by that — how sure people could be of their own work and be sort of playing around, but so good! That was the pinnacle of class.
… In the regions for example, coaches working at high levels still have to have beginner groups to make a normal living. A lot of them don’t even want to be in the national team. They coach kids up to that level and that’s it. I ask them, “Are you coming to training camp?” “No.” “Why not?” “Because I have two other groups and I’d lose the money.” And I ask, “So what are you working for then?” I know you can’t feed a family on your enthusiasm. Let’s come up with a solution with the directors of sports schools, so that they help talented coaches with initiative. …
— The head coach also has to be a good teacher. Do you feel “lucky” to get to work with the junior team that is the hardest age to work with (13-18 years old)? Are you strict with the guys at camp?
I give them a bit more freedom then we had. …
On Pommels:
… Without fear. Without any fear of falling. And do your routine with soul. …
Wow.
related – Inside Gymnastics – PACIFIC RIM QUICK CHAT: NIKOLAI KRYUKOV
Gymnastics Coaching.com 