Two great young Russian champions emerged this week in China at the Youth Olympics ... Seda Tutkhalyan from Moscow (2 golds, including the coveted all around, and a silver on the floor) and Nikita Nagorny from Rostov on Don (3 golds, and a silver in the all around).
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Nikita must have the biggest smile in gymnastics. A strong, dynamic gymnast, he looks set to add considerable value the senior national team when he joins their ranks next year, as a secure all arounder plus, who can contribute to pommel horse scores.
These Youth Olympics were characterised by friendship and happiness; Nikita personified these Olympic values as he expressed the joy of competing, treating victory and disaster alike with his broad, humourous smile.
Let's not loose sight of the fact that this young man is an outstanding gymnast, a leader of his generation who obviously relishes close competition.
Seda Tutkhalyan expressed outstanding maturity and sportsmanship this week as she gracefully won her two gold medals. The diminutive gymnast possesses a great combination of power and technique, and is another much needed all arounder for Russia. Her refreshing approach to competition combines a philosophical determination with a gritty acceptance of the realities of life at the top. Her facial expressions in Nanjing embraced concentration, concern for her fellow gymnasts, celebration both of her own and fellow gymnasts' achievements, and a priceless moment of mischievous delight on confirming the uneven bars gold was hers. Cute and courageous, alongside the feisty Kharenkova, she looks likely to follow in the footsteps of team captain Mustafina as she makes her way to Rio.
Finally, Seda's favourite thing is cheesecake. She certainly deserves a slice right now :-)
