Viktoria Komova Finally Returns, Mustafina Wins AA at 2014 Russian Nationals

Viktoria Komova Finally Returns, Mustafina Wins AA at 2014 Russian Nationals

Apr 3, 2014 by Anne Phillips
Viktoria Komova Finally Returns, Mustafina Wins AA at 2014 Russian Nationals


Viktoria Komova is back and made her competitive debut at the 2014 Russian Championships today in Penza. The definite highlight of her competition was seeing her back in strong form on uneven bars, her best event where she won the 2011 World title. She posted a 15.00 with a supposed Russian bonus added to the total score. The other events showed room for improvement as she fell on beam and only competed a full twisting yurchenko on vault. She previously competed an Amanar. Komova elected not to compete floor.  

Watch her bar routine here:


We have seen very little of Komova since she was edged out by American Gabby Douglas in the 2012 Olympic All Around Finals. In bittersweet fashion, Komova went home with the silver medal. Injuries and illness dashed her chances of competition in 2013. She finally returned from a nagging back injury in August of 2013, but in an unfortunate turn of events, the Russian star was hospitalized with viral meningitis. As result, she was required to rest for over a month.

Now 19 years old, Komova has gone through a noticeable growth spurt during her time away from serious training.  Always an elegant gymnast, it will be exciting to see Komova adjust to her new long lines. 

Currently, the Russian team seriously lacks depth and will need Komova and a healthy Aliya Mustafina in order to contend for gold at the 2014 World Championships. 

To no surprise, World and Olympic Champion Mustafina won the meet's all around title. This marks her 4th all around national title after winning golds in 2009, 2012, and 2013. Alla Sosnitskaya claimed the silver while 2012 Olympian Anastasia Grishina took bronze without competing her full difficulty. 

Watch Mustafina's beam:
 


Related: 
Watch more video of Viktoria Komova 
Watch more video of Aliya Mustafina

Related Content