London 2012 Olympics: Gymnast Viktoria Komova Leads Russian Resurgence

Viktoria Komova is one of the Russian gymnastic team's most vital competitors. She's got an excellent chance to win a medal at this year's Olympic games and return Russia to dominance in her sport.

Well, not exactly Russia's dominance. The Soviet Union dominated Olympic gymnastic competition for decades.

Check out NPR reporter Martha Wexler's report for more background on the Soviet Union's rich history. Wexler also alludes to the subsequent fallout from the Soviet Union's breakup. Since, Russia hasn't established itself as the gymnastics mecca of the world. 

Komova can flip that script. According to Wexler, the women's gymnastic team didn't bring home one medal. They are no longer the world's preeminent gymnasts. Team coach Alexander Alexandrov spoke to that effect in an interview with Wexler.

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"American gymnasts are more athletic now. They have their commercial gyms and every coach has to make money, so he can't afford to keep a big staff with special trainers for choreography," Alexandrov says. "Here, we're supported by the state, and we've got choreographers, so our girls are more elegant."

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Alexandrov is aware of Russia's competition in this year's events. Komova can change all of that. At the 2011 World Gymnastics Championships she finished second to Team USA's Jordyn Wieber in all-around competition. She only lost by 0.033 and will be right there again in London.

For Russia it's about pride. Their region of the world is steeped in gymnastics' history, but they haven't been up to par for almost 20 years.

Komova's all-around excellence gives Russia a chance to snatch a gold medal in London this summer. She's one of the world's top contenders. 

Russia has been waiting for an athlete with Komova's prodigious talent, and she's finally arrived. Her presence gives them momentum with the games approaching, and she gives them a legitimate hope at earning Olympic accolades.