Bad News

The Russian Team has suffered another injury, and this time it's to their Queen, Aliya Mustafina. She has withdrawn from Osijek World Cup due to a knee injury. The injury on her meniscus is supposed to be a minor one, so probably not a tear. It's still alarming considering her history with knee injuries. The last time she was out for something other than back pain was in late 2015, when she tore the meniscus on her right knee and had a surgery. And of course we all remember her famous ACL tear in 2011. She's supposed to be back to training by the end of May, but I can't help but think that she's been back for 2 seconds and her body is already showing the wear and tear. It's almost like we're picking up right where we left off.

I wish the Queen a speedy recovery.

And just in case you've forgotten how many other injuries the team has accumulated during the past few months: Elena Eremina, Lilia Akhaimova and Aleksandra Schekoldina. Angelina Melnikova apparently has some minor knee injury too.

Freezing in Mallorca

The team is on their annual training vacation in Mallorca and unfortunately the weather as been very cold for this time of the year. Based on social media it looks like they have gotten a few days on the beach and pool, but the rest of the time has been spent shivering and training. And in case of Vika and Masha, all kinds of dangerous activities. I'll be happy if we get those two back unharmed. Queen Aliya stayed in Penza according to her individual training plan, but Lena made it to Mallorca and is training again, at least lightly.

Have fun, girls!

The Queen Is Single Again

It's not like Aliyastan ever even had room for a king with such a supreme ruler already in place, but now our Queen is without an official consort. Aliya Mustafina just announced in instagram, that she got divorced last month. According to her, her ex-husband Alexei Zaytsev just wasn't right for her, but she's grateful for their daughter Alisa whom she loves very much.

So the rumors about their separation were true. This is obviously very sad news, but it's just so... Aliya. I'm going to repeat what I wrote when I first heard of the rumors. She lives the life she wants the way she wants without apologies and that's a skill I sometimes (alright, often) wish I had.

I wish the best for her and her family, Alisa in particular. She seems like a happy baby and may she remain so.