27. September 2012  
Moscow, Russia  
Artistic Gymnastics

Russian women’s team coach Alexander Alexandrov dismissed ...

Alexander Alexandrov (RUS)

Russia’s senior coach of the women’s artistic gymnastics squad Alexander Alexandrov dismissed from his post after the coaching council of the national gymnastics federation. Official reason for this decision is that the prominent Soviet Russian specialist who brought up the world all-around champions Svetlana Boguinskayaand Dmitri Bilozertchev in the 1980s held two full-time jobs at the same time.
Alexandrov was accused of neglecting his duties as the senior coach and concentrating only on the preparation of his protégé Mustafina. That’s why she appeared the strongest lady from the Russian squad who grabbed 4 Olympic awards in London.
Valeriy Grebenkin, former team’s bars coach, was appointed women’s team helmsmen this week, so the Russian media reported...
Alexandrov stood at the helm of the Russian women’s squad and he also spent much time training Russia’s most talented gymnast Aliya Mustafina.
Just a reminder: 
In 2008 Russian women’s team lead by first year senior Aliya Mustafina defeated the main favourites of the championship – the Americans and won their first team title since 1991.
Moreover Alexandrov’s student Mustafina clinched the all-around title at this very world meeting and added three silver awards she won in individual finals.
At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London Mustafina became the most decorated gymnast winning medals in every final she took part in including gold on the uneven bars.
Alexandrov was accused of neglecting his duties as the senior coach and concentrating only on the preparation of his protégé Mustafina. That’s why she appeared the strongest lady from the Russian squad who grabbed 4 Olympic awards in London. Russia’s state coach Valentina Rodionenko said having the likes of Komova, Grishina and Afanasyeva at their disposal team Russia should have won team gold in Great Britan but it didn’t happen because Alexandrov’s efforts were focused on training Mustafina.
The world champions Komova and Afanasyeva could have displayed better results if the senior coach had dedicated more time to them.

Valeriy Grebenkin former team’s bars coach was appointed women’s team helmsmen on Tuesday. Alexandrov will continue training Mustafina until December 30, the date when his contract expires.
* source: Russian media