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 She has withdrawn from Osijek World Cup due to a knee injury.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.

The First One Bites the Dust

The competition season is nearing and Russian Nationals are just behind the corner, so naturally, injuries will start piling up. And the first victim happens to be one of the most important players, Elena Eremina. Earlier this week she made an announcement on instagram, she underwent a surgery to stabilize some of her lumbar vertebrae earlier in February. She won't be able to fully start training until August, which means that she's going to be out for the year.

I can't really think of a worse loss for the team. Lena single-handedly saved Russia's ass last year. We have a bunch of veterans returning this year, but they're wild cards at this point. So are the new seniors. And I don't really have that much hope for Angelina Melnikova to get her shit together.  Russia always manages to scrape by, so I'm really interested in seeing how. Or rather, who will fill the spot of their best all arounder, because now it's wide open. Again.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, yes, she went to Munich for the operation. Your regular pilgrimage to meet the sacred German Miracle Doctors then. You aren't really a senior member of the Russian National Team unless you have Munich Munchkin written on your resume. Or unless you have "back pain" attached to your name every time Valentina Rodionenko opens her mouth.

As for Lena, I hope that she makes a full recovery and return to gymnastics in 2019. I really don't want her to be a forgotten one-hit-wonder of a post-Olympic year. She's too good for that.

The Beauty of Our Time

Viktoria Komova posted this on VK last night:

Dear friends, fans, and gymnastics lovers. Unfortunately back pain isn’t allowing me to train to my full potential and get ready for competitions. I’ve made the very difficult decision to stop training and take care of my health. I want to thank everyone for their support! Without your love and warmth it would’ve been more difficult to go all the way. Thanks everyone and see you soon! Love and kisses.

Which I guess means that she's out of the running for Rio. And perhaps done for good. A big question mark there.

I think she's the most beautiful gymnast of the last quad and certainly one of the most talented. I'm going to miss her so much and I'm not going to even say anything more, just post what I think are some of her best routines let this harmony of beauty and difficulty speak for itself.