What happened to russian gymnastics?

Question

They used to have the top competitors in the World and constantly challenged the US, now they did not even medal in men's and women's events. What happened?

Answer 1

btw, Nastia Lukin is  immigrant from Russia....

Answer 2

They just don't have the gymnast to produce the results that they used to get.  Everything goes in cycles, i wouldn't be surprised in a few years if they are competitors for medals again.  

Answer 3

I thought they were very good but just didn't have the star power I guess. Judges...

Answer 4

the russians have really f.u.c.ked it up these olympic games! they have stupid sporting system now, they need to return to the soviet style system! the russian olympians are a disgrace to russia! 3 golds is pathetic! what a joke! they should all be shot! USA has 15 golds! china has like 26 golds! in 2000 olympics, russia was 3 golds behind USA and 1 behind in total medal tally! since 2004, russian sport is suffering because of this new system, they need to return to soviet planned system or the chinese system! its about finding the best athletes unlike now russia just lets whoever is playiing the sport go to olympics! 2004 olympics was pathetic and 2008 olympics is shattering the russian sporting reputation! china is doing now what the soviets did, but russia abandoned that programme! big mistake! i have lost count how many russian favourites have been upset at these olympics, its their mentality! they are not performing to their capabilities! they should face punishment, simple as that, they should get a warning to either win golds or face severe punishment!! enough of this nice c**p to them and giving them extra pay if they win gold! perform or else!

Answer 5

when they lose they hang them.

Answer 6

Russia is no longer a communist country, so their sports programs are no longer run and paid for by their government.  

Back in the old days, children who were identified as having talent were put into gymnastics and trained at the government's expense.  Large numbers of children were recruited and they had a huge base of talent to choose from.  Nowdays, Russian gymnasts must pay for their own training, and not everyone can afford that.  Even those who can afford it might not choose to do gymnastics - kids are now free to choose swimming, soccer, piano, or nothing at all.  

China, on the other hand, has a gymnastics program similar to the old Soviet program.  That's why they're so good.