Team Russia is getting a head start on naming their squad for the 2016 Olympics in Rio and four preliminary members have already been named, according to a report on the Russian FederationÂ’s website.

Viktoria Komova and Aliya Mustafina, standout veterans who both landed on the all-around podium in London, have been selected to the team. Additionally, Maria Paseka and Ksenia Afanasyeva, who were also part of RussiaÂ’s 2012 Olympic team and had great performances in Glasgow, are expected to compete in Rio as well.

Mustafina did not compete in the 2015 World Championships, as she has been fighting through an injury. In early November she underwent surgery on her damaged meniscus, according to a Russian news report. Mustafina is expected to begin training again on January 6. She is a strong force for Team Russia when healthy, so she will be looking to make a big comeback for Rio.

The last spot on RussiaÂ’s Olympic team has yet to be named and will likely be selected when Rio approaches. However, with the Olympics eight months away, even the original list of four could change at any time.

After a fourth place finish at 2015 World Championships, Russia is surely looking to take a team to Rio that can land on the podium and reestablish RussiaÂ’s strong international presence.


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