Olympic Gymnastics 2012: Viktoria Komova, Russia Surging Back into Elite

The Russians are returning to glory in gymnastics, and the 2012 Summer Olympics solidify that relevance in London.

Prior to the 1996 Games in Atlanta, Russia had not competed in the Olympics as itself since 1912. Whether it was part of the Soviet Union or a unified team, Russia finally got back to itself in 1996. 

One hundred years since the Stockholm Games, the gymnasts are returning to elite status as well.

After a disappointing performance in Beijing where Russia failed to medal as a team, the country has revived in recent years. To that end, let's look at why we can expect the Russians to be in the gold-medal discussion throughout the 2012 London Games.

Viktoria Komova Leads the Way

A master at the uneven bars, Viktoria Komova has taken gold numerous times throughout her gymnastics career. In addition, Komova has won gold on the vault, balance beam and the all-around aspect as well.

Easily Russia's best women's gymnast right now, Komova has received nothing but gold and silver in 2012. Whether it was the Russian Cup or European Championships, this versatile and dynamic gymnast is a threat to compete for gold from an all-around perspective as well as in a few individual events.

On a more impressive scale, she took three golds and one bronze at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. So, her success since then is certainly no surprise. Leaving London without multiple medals would be very disappointing.

Recent World Championships Outcome

At the 2011 World Championships, Russia took silver to the United States and has finally built some consistency to rely on before the Olympics.

In 2010, Russia won the World Championships as a team after only winning just two bronze medals in 2009. Rewind back to 2003 through 2007 and the Russians saw limited success on the world stage.

After sixth place in 2003, only one silver medal was won in 2005 and, despite taking third in 2006, a drop to eighth place occurred in 2007.

Things didn't get better a year later either after failing to medal in any of the artistic events during the 2008 Beijing Games. Fortunately, Russia's recent success has occurred leading into London and their confidence, if anything, will play a factor in 2012's final standings.

Supporting Cast After Komova

Komova may have accounted for 33 percent of Russia's overall total at the 2011 World Championships, but her supporting cast has made the team a legit contender as well.

More importantly, three of Russia's gymnasts from the 2010 championship team were part of the 2011 team. Tatiana Nabieva, Ksenia Afanasyeva and Anna Dementyeva are the most notable athletes after Komova, and each has the experience and ability to compete for golds of their own.

Russia presents nearly a complete team and has at least four gymnasts who could legitimately contend for individual gold. Regardless of the event, expect the Russians to be in the mix for winning team gold.

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