Random Russia sh*t

[MaryClare]

I have wanted to start a general Russian thread for a while now, since there have been a few things that I’ve not posted since they didn’t really fit elsewhere nor warrant a thread of their own. And since Russian athletes are once again competing internationally, it seems like a good time to do it.

Now it may end up being just me talking to myself, but hopefully there will be some content that isn’t as discussed on other parts of the gymnternet. As ever, please keep the discussion relating to gymnastics and not politics.

Maybe if there are previous posts that are more at home here, the moderators can move them.

 

[MaryClare]

On Sunday, Angelina Melnikova will appear on the Fetisov show. It is hosted by Vyacheslav Fetisov, the former minister of sport who is the son in law of Valentina Aleksandrovna.

I am very surprised that she is appearing on this show particularly. The RGF has taken great care of maintaining neutrality, and has not reported at all on Melnikova nor any of the gymnasts competing as individual neutrals. There’s absolutely no mention from them of worlds at all.

Where as Fetisov is a ruling committee member of United Russia and his show goes out on the Zvezda TV station which is the most pro government station of all (I mean, they all are, but that one especially so).

It was already filmed a couple of days ago, but will be broadcast on Sunday

 

[MaryClare]

If you are emotionally ready for it, here is another Russian junior to break your heart. Third generation national team member Aleksandra Andrianova is the granddaughter of Nikolai and Lubov. Her father Sergei was once a junior national team member himself. He is not her primary coach, since he is on the national team staff as Aliya Mustafina’s assistant. I believe she turns senior in 2027.

Sorry, i don’t know the credit for the video, a colleague sent it via TG

 

[Puffin]

Interesting about Melnikova. Is she perhaps considering retirement? She seemed to be contemplating the political career -but then she got the chance to compete in Jakarta. Is there any news on her injury?

Is Valentina still in charge of the WAG programme? She must be almost 90 now!

 

[MaryClare]

Interesting about Melnikova. Is she perhaps considering retirement? She seemed to be contemplating the political career -but then she got the chance to compete in Jakarta. Is there any news on her injury?

Is Valentina still in charge of the WAG programme? She must be almost 90 now!

When the news about Melnikova embarking on a political career emerged, everyone here assumed that it was her way of saying she retired since surely it would void her AIN status. But the AIN status remained and she kept training. I have an idea of what went on, and it is not uncommon. But it’s not a discussion for here.
Melnikova has been getting treatment for her injury and has been training without any strapping. She also mentioned going to Germany to perform. She said perform rather than compete, so it could just be a gala performance or such. I would imagine that if her body will hold up and she is able to compete internationally, she will stick around to 2028.

Valentina is still around and sort of in charge, but she is overseen by her superior, Dmitry Andreev who is in charge of both MAG and WAG. Bear in mind that the national team roster is around 40 staff.

 

[Puffin]

Do you think Musty is being groomed to take over the WAG team?

 

[MaryClare]

Do you think Musty is being groomed to take over the WAG team?

No, it doesn’t really work like that. It’s more collective than that. And no previous top athlete has ever led the coaching team.

 

[Bob]

If you are emotionally ready for it, here is another Russian junior to break your heart. Third generation national team member Aleksandra Andrianova is the granddaughter of Nikolai and Lubov. Her father Sergei was once a junior national team member himself. He is not her primary coach, since he is on the national team staff as Aliya Mustafina’s assistant. I believe she turns senior in 2027.

Sorry, i don’t know the credit for the video, a colleague sent it via TG

oooh I'm loving her already! Especially with the pigtails. The little one next to her on beam was also cute.

 

[RedBirdie]

On Sunday, Angelina Melnikova will appear on the Fetisov show. It is hosted by Vyacheslav Fetisov, the former minister of sport who is the son in law of Valentina Aleksandrovna.

I am very surprised that she is appearing on this show particularly. The RGF has taken great take of maintaining neutrality, and has not reported at all on Melnikova nor any of the gymnasts competing as individual neutrals. There’s absolutely no mention from them of worlds at all.

Where as Fetisov is a ruling committee member of United Russia and his show goes out on the Zvezda TV station which is the most pro government station of all (I mean, they all are, but that one especially so).

It was already filmed a couple of days ago, but will be broadcast on Sunday

Slava Fetisov is looking old there. Wow. Is this a special one-off show, or a weekly thing Fetisov does?

 

[MaryClare]

Slava Fetisov is looking old there. Wow. Is this a special one-off show, or a weekly thing Fetisov does?

Yes he has a weekly late night talk show with guests. Like Graham Norton, but run by the ministry of defence

 

[Sasha]

He is old! His NHL career ended over 25 years ago, and he played until the ripe old (at the time) age of 40.

 

[Sasha]

Yes he has a weekly late night talk show with guests. Like Graham Norton, but run by the ministry of defence

Damn, it sounds sinister when you word it like that.

 

[MaryClare]

Damn, it sounds sinister when you word it like that.

The Fetisov show is possibly the least sinister bit of programming on that station. Here is translation of tonight’s viewing. Friday night fun for all the family

 

[RedBirdie]

For real, I might have to check it out. Mr. Birdie was a huge Fetisov fan (Russian Five fan in general, as one tended to be living in the Detroit area in the 1990s).

 

[MaryClare]

For real, I might have to check it out. Mr. Birdie was a huge Fetisov fan (Russian Five fan in general, as one tended to be living in the Detroit area in the 1990s).

Mr Mary Clare is an ex hockey player. I will keep an eye out for online uploads. It is difficult to access this channel outside of Russia as it’s sanctioned by many countries

 

[Hatsumomo]

If you are emotionally ready for it, here is another Russian junior to break your heart. Third generation national team member Aleksandra Andrianova is the granddaughter of Nikolai and Lubov. Her father Sergei was once a junior national team member himself. He is not her primary coach, since he is on the national team staff as Aliya Mustafina’s assistant. I believe she turns senior in 2027.

Sorry, i don’t know the credit for the video, a colleague sent it via TG

 

[Sasha]

For real, I might have to check it out. Mr. Birdie was a huge Fetisov fan (Russian Five fan in general, as one tended to be living in the Detroit area in the 1990s).

I was a big Detroit fan back in the era too. I remember crying after that awful accident in 1997.

 

[CameliasFingerpaint]

I absolutely cannot fathom playing hockey into your 40s. That just sounds brutal.

Also…. Ew to all you Detroit fans (I’m in Chicago).