Alexander Alexandrov in his own words - a commentary, and guide to the interview

I thought it might be useful to provide a brief guide to the interview in its various parts.  This shouldn't be regarded as comprehensive, nor is it an analysis in any way. I don't recommend that you target your reading on this basis; if you are really interested in Alexandrov, I would recommend you take the time to read it from start to finish - yes, all five parts.  It takes about an hour to an hour and a half depending on your reading speed.

This post is just a quick way for you to see what appears where, to help you to know where your favourite parts are if you want to go back and re-read.

In about a fortnight, when we have all had a chance to digest Alexander's words, I will write an analysis of the interview as I see it.  There is a little more primary evidence to present of how things are working in Russia at the moment; I am waiting so as not to 'drown' you in the sheer volume of information.  Your comments and questions will help me in drafting the analysis so please contribute energetically, don't be shy.  Isa has said to me that her dad really appreciates your thoughts.  We hope you enjoy this work.

Moceanu, Boguinskaia, Chusovitina: 'your girls are thinking of you'

Part 1– Alexander outlines the process of his resignation and the importance of the Rodionenkos.  He discusses his relationship with World and Olympic Champion Aliya Mustafina and how her welfare influenced his decision to leave in the context of the increasingly venomous behaviour of Valentina Rodionenko.

Keywords: Russian Gymnastics Federation, Isa Alexandrova; Aliya Mustafina; Valentina Rodionenko; Andrei Rodionenko; Ministry of Sport

Part 2– Alexander outlines some of the key players in Russian sports and gymnastics, and describes the power relationships involved.  He talks about the number of people – coaches and gymnasts – pushed to one side during the Rodionenkos’ time in Russia.

Keywords: Evgeny Nikolko; Viktor Gavrichenko; Alexander Kiryashev, Alexander Alexandrov; Andrei Rodionenko; Valentina Rodionenko; Vitaly Mutko; Fetisov; Anna Dementyeva; Anastasia Grishina

Part 3– Alexander talks a little about the history of Rodionenko’s position on the Russian team, their heavy defeat at the 1987 World Championships and his replacement of Andrei in 1988/9 as senior WAG coach.  He also explains how Valentina began to undermine him after an initial period of ‘honeymoon’, undermining his decisions and making him and the other head coaches and specialists invisible in official publications.

Keywords: Andrei Rodionenko; Valentina Rodionenko; 1987 World Gymnastics Championships; 1987 European Gymnastics Championships; Leonid Arkayev

Part 4– Alexander outlines how the rift developed between the Rodionenkos and himself, highlighting Valentina’s strident and aggressive behaviour and her growing paranoia about his position of power in gymnastics.  He underlines the poor strategic decision making of Andrei Rodionenko and its disconnect with Russia’s need to develop strength in depth and encourage participation through such initiatives as amended standards of the Master of Sport honour and an enhanced Code of Points.  He ends by discussing the Gymnastics Presidium at which he said goodbye.

Keywords : Alexander Alexandrov; Andrei Rodionenko; Valentina Rodionenko; Master of Sport; Code of Points; Elena Vaitsekhovskaya

Part 5 : Alexander talks about how things developed after the Olympics, and how his relationship with Aliya Mustafina was affected; expresses his opinions on the team’s performance, and how they are working now, and gives a short expression of his planned work for Brazil.  Finishes with personal declaration of his own working ethos.

Keywords: Alexander Alexandrov; Valentina Rodionenko; Andrei Rodionenko; Aliya Mustafina; Anastasia Grishina; Dina Kamalova; Evgeniya Shelgunova; London Olympics 2012; Brazilian gymnastics

Finally, Isa sent me the lovely photograph of Olympic gold medallists Dominique Moceanu, Svetlana Boguinskaia and Oksana Chusovitina this morning; Svetlana Boguinskaia gave it to Isa during the first weeks of Alexander's time in Brazil, saying: 'his girls are thinking of him'.   Don't forget Alexander's long and distinguished history as a gymnastics coach.  It seems he lives his ethos of keeping friends.

If you would like to read more about Alexander Alexandrov, please try the following links:

'They performed like artists of a classical style'

'Undesirable Alexandrov;: Lupita translates Elena Vaitsekhovksaya's interview 

A new Russian Revolution (some background and context)

Alexander Alexandrov and Dmitri Bilozerchev

I would like to wish Alexander and his family the very best of good luck as he ventures into the relative unknown of Brazilian gymnastics; I hope everything goes very well.  I know I am far from the only person who is looking forward to seeing the gymnasts compete at World Championships and, ultimately, the Rio Olympics.

And many, many thanks to Isa and to Alexander for all the hard work that has gone into putting together this interview; I am very proud to publish it here.