We Interrupt These Euros...

Irina Alexeeva, formerly of Russia, has just won the U.S. Classic with an All-Around score of 57.55, a score bolstered by a great beam routine. She also took silver on bars and floor. For many years Irina hoped to compete for her native country, but as she spent crucial years of her life in America, the possibility of that dream faded since it was unlikely she would be accepted at Round Lake with formal American training. Last year, her parents began to look into acquiring U.S. citizenship, which she still doesn't have so she won't compete at U.S.A's Nationals despite qualifying.

All of the grace has gone out of her but in its place is accurate acrobatics and confidently done tumbling and vaulting, the trademarks of the US system. I'm not going to write about Irina forever on my blog but right now there's some controversy surrounding her move which resulted in her getting some unfair backlash. If I can do my little part in turning that narrative to a more sympathetic light I will do so. To that end, congratulations Irina, you are further proof of how much USA's gymnastics has benefited from Russia over the decades. They have gained a fantastic gymnast in acquiring you. You're an American gymnast, but you'll always be a Russian. Molodets! 

Irina and Aliya both won gold medals the same day 
I'm not crying. You're crying.