Kanaeva retired?

Russian double Olympic champion Eugenia Kanaeva has decided not to train any more. However, national Russian team hopes for her return.

“If Kanaeva decides to return to Rhythmic Gymnastics Team Russia, that will be great happiness for the Team”, said head coach of Team Russia, Irina Viner.

Eugenia conquered the second Gold at London Olympics 2012 and became the first in the world double Olympic champion in Rhythmic Gymnastics Individual All-Around. First golden medal was conquered by Russian gymnast in Beijing. Moreover, Eugenia Kanaeva is 17-time world champion. Gymnast claimed in September that she hadn’t decided yet whether she wanted to continue her career.

“We never discuss the deadlines for return with such gymnasts as Eugenia Kanaeva. She is a double Olympic Champion! As soon as she recovers and decides to return we’ll be really happy to accept her”, - said Irina Viner. “She decided not to train. And she hasn’t changed her mind yet”, - emphasized Irina.

Head coach refused to answer the question about probability of Kanaeva’s return to Team Russia.  She said: “I’m not thinking about that. I hope…”

Russian Cup and Championship in Rhythmic Gymnastics will be held on November 12-16, 2012 at New Gymnastics Center in Kazan, Russia, that was built for summer Universiade 2013.

“Eugenia Kanaeva won’t perform at this Championship as well as Daria Kondakova, who finished performing. Aleksandra Merkulova is still recovering after the injury. All the others will perform including Daria Dmitrieva and Margarita Mamun”, - concluded Irina Viner.