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Friday, June 17, 2016

Paseka back in time for Rio; Komova confirmed out



A few sources in the Russian press have reported Russia's team news.  There is a little bit more information about Viktoria Komova's retirement, or rest break, and some good news about Maria Paseka.

The news came clearly from Viktoria's own mouth - I cannot link to the video - and has now been repeated and clarified by her father.  Viktoria has stopped training because of the pain in her back.  There is no chance of her making it to Rio now but if she recovers she may come back later.  

Valentina Rodionenko says unequivocally that Vika has retired, but this doesn't have to be taken as a contradiction, just a simpler version of the picture.  (I personally think that retirement is probably right - but why say never?  However, I would feel sorry for Viktoria if she were not being allowed to make her own decisions.)

The good news is that Maria Paseka will be competing at Russia Cup - she has recovered from her back pain and is making her way towards qualification for Rio.

See below the key points from today's press coverage so that you can make up your own mind about what it all means.  Thank you to Maryama and various anon readers who sent me the links!  And, as ever, good luck to all the gymnasts who are training so hard and so bravely at the moment in preparation for the Games - davai!

Picture gallery of Viktoria Komova - http://rsport.ru/photo/20160617/948770700.html

Albert Starodubtsev TASS. 17 June, 16.28

Two-time Olympic silver medalist in 2012, two-time world champion in gymnastics Victoria Komova did not announce the end of her sports career and wants to return to the sport, according to her father, Alexander Komov.

"Vika really wants to go back to the gym, but her health does not allow.  She said she could no longer tolerate and train with the pain, but this didn't affect her commitment.  She said, that she could not prepare for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, so did not see the point right now to train "

"Right now, she needs to dedicate all her strength to her health, and if the doctors will help her, it is likely that she will be back in the gym and will please us", - said the father of the athlete.

According to Tass senior coach Evgeni Grebyonkin knows nothing about Komova leaving. "Vika is not at the training camp, I have no more information about it" - ??he said.

Source - http://tass.ru/sport/3376949

Sergey Smyshlyaev / R-Sport

Maria Paseka has recovered from injury and will compete at the Russian Cup in Penza, said senior coach of Russia Valentin Rodionenko.
Maria Paseka due to health problems, missed the 2016 European Championships, held in Berne.
"Paseka will be performing at the Russia Cup in Penza" - said Rodionenko on the phone.
Russian Cup in artistic gymnastics will be held in Penza, from 27 June to 3 July.

Source - http://rsport.ru/artist_gym/20160617/948802048.html


15:21 17.06.2016 (updated 15:38 06.17.2016) Sergey Smyshlyaev / R-Sport

Viktoria Komova decided to retire because of her health, said senior team coach of Russia Valentina Rodionenko.

"Komova has finished performing, her health does not allow it. Yes, she has ended her career. With the spine there are some problems, she cannot train heavy loads.  She went to the coach, said that it was her decision.  Her father came, they talked, they made this decision ", - said Rodionenko on the phone.

Source - http://rsport.ru/artist_gym/20160617/948759841.html



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