David Belyavskiy had to miss the Russian Championships and the European Championships because of an injury but he has been preparing for European Games. At the first European Games, Belyavskiy could not compete in the all-around due to a wrist injury, but he won silver on parallel bars and bronze on floor. This year, if he fully recovers, Belyavskiy will be one of the main contenders for the all-around title.
He told R-Sport that he hopes to test himself in this competition:
“For me, European Games are a test event, I need to see what I’m capable of after the break. I’m preparing to compete in the all-around. My goal is to perform well and to make my fans and myself happy. I’m in the best shape I’ve been this year and I’m improving every day. I hope to be fully ready by the time of the Games.”
Valentina Rodionenko thinks that the main competitors for the Russian MAG at the European Games will be the British gymnasts:
“At the European Games, in the overall medal count, our athletes have to be first. We always have one goal – to be first. Our main competitors will be the representatives of Great Britain. For men, there are also strong gymnasts on the German team. However, it’s hard to single anyone out in the women’s competition, there are many equally strong gymnasts on different teams.”
Photo: Elena Mikhaylova, Russian Artistic Gymnastics Federation
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