This week brought us three announcements that has thrown the field of play of the women’s competition at Worlds more open. Russia have ruled out Ksenia Afansayeva and Viktoria Komova and it emerged today that Romania’s Diana Bulimar is also out.
Ksenia Afanasyeva underwent surgery for an ankle problem and will not be defending her 2011 World Floor title. The surgery is said to have been minor but coaches ruled Afanaseyva out to allow for a full recovery.
Her team mate Viktoria Komova is said to have recently returned to training following a bought of viral meningitis. According to one of Komova’s own social media profiles, she has confirmed that she will not be competing at Worlds due to her Doctors advice. They feel that another months rest is required to regain full health before competing.
Whilst this World Championships is not a major qualifying event it is still worrying regarding the number of gymnasts out injured. I’m delighted that the Russians are protecting two of their top gymnasts and not pushing them to compete.
The Couch Gymnast broke the news today that London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Diana Bulimar was not competing at the Romanian Nationals today. Bulimar sustained a knee injury in training before the competition and was swiftly flown to Vienna where emergency surgery was carried out.
This does leave the field a little more wide open. Of course we can expect domination from the USA and the remaining Russian’s (Nabieva and Mustafina) but also room for more nations to qualify into the event finals. Many fans will be feeling disheartended at the moment, as there is still a consensus that Komova should have won the AA title at the London Olympics. The 18 year old gymnasts is yet to win a AA World gold medal, she finished second to USA’s Jordyn Wieber back in 2011 and also took gold on Bars.
Image via Getty Images.
This Worlds is getting closer and closer to beating 09 for the coveted “Worst Worlds ever” title!
I hope that since the competition has had so much bad luck already, that we will see really good performances come oct!
Digressions WEEKEND
Giulia Steingruber once again confirms the thesis of the “time of an athlete only”. Simply, the rest of the team does not track the performance of Switzerland, which does not happen with men, again disputing hundredths. To crown a 2013 round, only one gold in Antwerp.
Noemi Makra go to Osijek and also have a terrific year for a rookie, unlike Boczogo finally making peace with the podium, taking gold and silver in the ground in all-around. Will have to sweat a lot leotard if you want a good result.
The surprise in Westminster Cup was a Finnish take gold in the rings, Markuu Vahtila, with the victory of Max Whitlock with two diamonds.
With the departure of Diana Bulimar, recently welcomed the success of Alphen Aan Den Rijn, Larissa Iordache won the Romanian national, with two juniors, and Andreea Monteanu Iridon, sharing the podium. Unlike the Swiss podium, the two namesakes gave work to Iordache, with minimal difference between the three at the end.