As 2010 comes to a close, many in the gymnastics community are counting down the days until Komova is finally age eligible to compete as a senior (she turns 16 on January 30
th). Like many others that boarded the Komova bandwagon back when she was barely a teenager, I’m hoping that she’ll live up to the hype, her potential, promise, and the high expectations we’ve set for her.
Following Russia’s team gold and Aliya Mustafina’s crowning moment in Rotterdam, those expectations have seemed to increase exponentially; even Tim Dagget referred to her as “the best gymnast in the world.” And for once, I had to agree with him. Her parents were both gymnasts and seem to have instilled a “winning is all” attitude in her. Like many things in life, I find that hype is only good in doses. Have we set the bar too high?
Besides the over-hype, what does Vika have potentially working against her?
- The Puberty Monster. There’s been a lot of talk across gym forums of Komova’s weight lately. Let’s face it: the girl is TINY. Some have even suggested that she appears possibly malnourished, but I won’t buy into that. Her power is so incredibly deceptive; you wouldn’t think a gymnast of her fragile frame would be performing an Amanar with ease. Many feel that her body will change next year, which would leave her in peak position for London. But how much will her body change? And how will it affect her gymnastics? If anything, I feel that a few extra inches and pounds would add to her power once she adapts to it, and a provide a little extra cushion if she takes a nasty spill. She looks frighteningly breakable at her current size. Though her mother (Vera Kolesnikova) was tall-ish (5’4”) for a gymnast, neither of her parents were giants. I don’t know that I expect her to grow all that much anyway.
- The Junior Russian Curse. How many former Russian juniors have we watched fall short of expectations and superstardom as seniors? Most recently, I’d nominate former junior European all-around champion Daria Elizarova. After being relegated to the dreaded alternate spot in Beijing, she’s had to become a citizen of an entirely different country just to get an international assignment. There’s Karina Myasnikova, who virtually disappeared after 2008. Yulia Lozcheko never quite lived up to her potential, and the stunning Nadezhda Ivanova, who fell victim to the degenerative disease, necrosis. Of course Komova is at a higher level than any of the ladies listed, but someone with such a difficult program always runs the risk of injury. But the same could be said of any elite gymnast, really. On a hopeful note, both Mustafina and Nabieva were successful and highly lauded juniors who made the climb to the senior ranks unscathed. And they’re both world champions. So perhaps the curse has been broken?
But more importantly, what does Komova have on her side?
- Skills to pay the bills. She already has an Amanar, and it’s a good one. Better than Mustafina’s. Her vault alone puts her at a huge d-score advantage, but she’s no slacker on the other 3 events. She already has a transition on bars named after her in the code of points (Clear circle bwd through hstd flight and ½ turn to hang on HB (Element Value = E 4.508)). Though I think her current routines are competitive (and clean) enough for next years Worlds, I expect to see upgrades for London. She’s capable of an Arabian double dismount from 2 bhs’s on beam, she could add a twist to her simple but sky-high double tuck on floor, and I think she could probably sneak a Gogean around too.
- Execution. Not only does she have the big tricks, but she has the form and polish as well. Her loso’s on beam are perhaps the best I’ve ever seen. She absolutely FLOATS.
- Tradition. Do I even need to go into this? Not to get all Elfi Schlegal on ya’ll, but she’s following in a long line of greats.
Despite Russia’s triumphant win in Rotterdam, I think the World has yet to see Russia’s very best team, and they won’t until London. There’s several other talented Russian juniors waiting in the wings, and I expect Komova to be somewhat of a team leader by the time London rolls around. This Russian team could potentially be the most fabulous since Sydney, and Vika plays a big part in the team makeup. In terms of attitude, she seems to play the quiet and kind yin to Mustafina’s diva-esque yang. Mark your calendars kids, as 2011 could be the year of Komova.
By
Bronwyn Sanders
Thanks to the couch gymnast, viktoria komova online and bronwyn sanders for making this article happen
