ICYMI

CSKA Moscow, consisting of three 2004 born gymnasts, won the Pre-Youth Olympic Cup in Germany this week. Full results can be found here under 'Team Result AK 13' and 'Individual Results AK 13.' Olga Astafeva won the AA with a 52.5 despite a fall on beam. Congrats, girls! 

CSKA Moscow: Gold

Viktoria Komova has been released from the hospital after reportedly suffering a stress fracture to her back and is training limitedly with the aim of Euros in mind. Strength Vika!

From a news clip in Penza, Starkin tells us that his star pupil, Aliya Mustafina, has back problems. The back pain they originally treated was in the lumbar region but now she has pain somewhere around the thoracic vertebrae. It's unclear if he means that Aliya was treated for lumbar back pain a fortnight ago when she visited the hospital or if he's referencing her back pain from four years ago around the runup to London. 

Yana Kudryavtseva (RG) made her return to serious competition at the WC Pesaro in Italy and won the AA with a 76.450. The thrice World All Around Champion scored a 18.9 with hoop, 19.2 with ball and clubs, and 19.150 with ribbon. She managed to hold off Rita Mamun by half a point, once again demonstrating why she is unquestionably the safest bet for gold in Rio. Yana spoke this week from the offices of Marie Claire Russia: "Elena Karpushenko and I did not expected such high results in Pesaro World Cup." Her coach, Elena, added, "The calendar perfectly fits Yana's situation : she still has some months to prepare for the European Championships, because last year they were held in April, and this year in mid June. It is a great opportunity." 

Sofia in front

In group RG news, Sofia Skomorokh sustained a leg injury in Thais, France and was seen limping off the mat after Russia's second disastrous performance of the night where they finished last place. She is replaced by Ksenia Polyakova but Viner isn't happy with this group so the placement is temporary. Skomorokh's injury is a the worst thing that could happen right now because she was one of the better ones on the group. And so many changes have gone on with this team that they have no bonding time to create the strong dynamic necessary for coordination, teamwork, and synchronization important in Group choreography. I also think Viner is overworking the girls and they are burned out (they've competed almost every ten days since February!).

In MAG, the European team was announced: Belyavskiy, Nagorny, Ablyazin, Ignatyev, and Stretovich. This team is actually really strong and could defend their team gold if they keep their heads outta their asses for two hours. Just kidding, I love this team despite its weakened state and I love that, for once, Ablyazin isn't the only medal contender in EF's. The guys are looking really strong as their programs build in complexity and their stamina picks up. May it continue! 

In more somber news, Valentina confirms that Kuksenkov will have to miss Euros, as his predicament is not likely to be solved before then. They are desperately hoping for a positive solution before Rio but the power to determine this is way above their station. I am pleased he is being so thoroughly supported by fans, teammates, and the federation, at least.

And lastly, I have not forgotten that my precious jewel, Eremina, exists. I've already finished writing about her St. Petersburg victory but I'm waiting for Nationals results to back up my claims because the current article is 100% conjecture and non-stop gushing, so please be patient any Eremina fans.