interview with Russia’s Valeri Alfosov

This is the best insight I’ve seen so far into the fast improving Russian Men’s team.

Alfosov is very smart. Takes nothing for granted. Knows that Russia has less depth than their main rivals.

Valeri Alfosov, the head coach of the Russian national team, gave an interview to R-Sport. He talked about the challenges of selecting a four-person team for the Olympics, about the team strategy and about coaching the gymnasts in all aspects of their life, not just in the gym. …

ALFOSOV: IN THE USSR, DALALOYAN WOULDN’T MAKE THE TEAM

It’s interesting that the Russians are so dismissive of GBR lately. They are definitely top 5 contenders for the foreseeable future. And their Juniors are as strong as the Russians.

Simone’s Undefeated ESPN cover story

At this point in time Simone thinks she’ll retire after the Tokyo Olympics.

Read the interview in Undefeated:

Most dominant athlete of 2018: Simone Biles

This was the year that the greatest gymnast of all time showed that not a damn thing will ever stand in her way

Gymnast Simone Biles
CREDIT: Danielle Levitt for ESPN
Hair by Janay Lewis
Makeup by Devin Harvey
Wardrobe Styling by Jennifer Bigham
Prop Styling by Leigh Gill
Madame T scarf by Pleats Please by Issey Miyake Asymmetrical star stud earrings by Sheryl Lowe
Faux Fur Jacket by Topshop

interview with Artur Dalaloyan

2018 World Champion.

Q: I heard that you had discipline issues when you were 13. What was the worst thing you did?

A: I had a party in my room at the training center, I invited not only the men’s team but also the girls. …

Q: Can your team now fight for a lot of gold medals at the Olympic Games?

A: Yes. Our team has definitely upped the level, we achieved a very good result. But I think that the most important thing is to get through this preparation, this year and a half until the Olympics without accumulating injuries. …

Q: Have you ever been very nervous during a competition?

A: I used to be very nervous and shaking at every competition.

Q: When did it stop, after what competition?

A: I think it depends more not on the competitions you had but on age and experience. …

Q: You have an interesting combination of cities in your personal life. You were born in Moldavia, you have Armenian heritage and now you live in Moscow. Where do you spend most time now?

A: I’ve been living in Moscow since I was six years old. My father is Armenian. By the way, I’ve never been to Armenia. Father left us when I was about 9 or 10 years old, since then I haven’t seen him, we’re not in touch at all.

DALALOYAN: WE WERE BOOED IN GLASGOW

Nassar abused his friend’s 6-yr-old

The criminal doctor’s victimized the daughter of a close family friend. It started when Kyle Stephens was age-6.

She was not a gymnast. This was not fake medical treatments.

Kyle’s father refused to believe her. As a result, she hated her father for years. They finally reconciled before his death.

Very ill, Kyle’s Dad took his own life in 2016.

Kyle Stephens was first to testify.

Listen to episode 8 online. But know that it’s disturbing.

Simone is ESPN’s Most Dominant Athlete 2018

And water is wet. 🙂

Click PLAY or watch the year end cover reveal on Twitter.

Read the top 20 list. (Kipchoge, Jutanugarn, Ledecky, LeBron and other also rans.)