International Gymnast magazine, May '99
by John Crumlish
1997 world bronze medalist aims for a golden '99
After winning the all-around bronze at the 1997 worlds and hobbling through a frustrating 1998, Russia's Yelena Produnova is back in her prime with a new confidence, repertoire and credentials: 1999 Russian chapmion and Stars of th World co-winner.
The 19-year-old Produnova, who skidded to second at the American Cup in March after a three-round lead, upended reigning world and European champion Svetlana Khorkina to win the Russian title in Moscow a week later. She had placed ninth at the national competition in '97, and fifth in '98.
Disproving some critics who dismissed her '97 world medal as a fluke, Produnova has scorched back into global contention with ambitious enhancements to her hallmark style, which melds easy power with aggressive femininity. She's upgraded her skills on all four events. On vaulting, she has replaced her adequate Phelps with a mighty double-twisting Yurchenko. On bars- admittedly her weakness- Produnova now pairs a piked Tkatchev to Pak, and finishes with a layout/double pike dismount (formerly a plain double pike).
Her ever-impressive variety on beam is expanded by composition changes and the addition of a split jump immediatly after an Onodi. On floor, Produnova's staccato-style choreography is reinforced by a stupendous triple tumbling assault (Arabian double front, punch front; layout front, punch double front; triple twist).
Still, the Rostov-on-Don native isn't completely satisfied with the already resounding dividends of her updated routings and physical rejuvenation.
"I see what I need to improve and what I have yet to do," says the popular Produnova, as animated off the poduim as she is intimidating on it. "In the beginning it's difficult to perform the new elements in competition. But I need to be ready for the world championships. They will be the most important start of the year for me."
Produnova, a memeber of Russia's teams which won gold at the '95 Junior European team championships, placed fourth at the '95 worlds and earned a silver at the '97 worlds, missed a shot at the '96 Olympics because of a lingering foot injury. After she snared a trio of medals at the '97 worlds, the top of Produnova's right foot flared up and limited her training time. As a consequence in '98, Produnova sat out the Europeans in her home country, left the World Cup final in Japan without a medal, and limped to 10th place at the Goodwill Games in New York.
This year Produnova left the American Cup audience agog at her second floor pass of layout front, punch double front, and vocally impressed elsewhere. Produnova diminished the novelty of that new tumble ("I tried it, it worked and I kept doing it"), and considered the over-rated triple twist that cost her the Cup a lesson in patience and timing. "I knew I had to perform all my routines without mistakes," commented Produnova afterward, silver medal dangling around her neck. "But the mistake happened and it's OK. This competition was a trial for the future."
Produnova, who says she enjoys the hectic Grand Prix itinerary that flits her from continent to continent, is certain that her future will hold an Olympic berth in 2000. Perserverance and experiance boost her chances in spite of a batch of younger teammates including '98 European junior champion Anna Kovalyova (who also won the '98 Russian senior title), '97 Russian junior champion Yekaterina Lobaznyuk, and '99 russian all-around bronze medalist Yelena Zamolodchikova.
"Yes, they are good girls with very strong programs," cedes Produnova of the upstarts. "But they are still young and inexperienced. I'm not sure if they are going to do everything without mistakes; maybe they will make the routine, maybe not. Nobody knows."
The fiery Produnova is sure, however, that Russia will continue to produce gymnasts as innovative and resilient as Produnova herself. "I'm very pleased our team has so many young girls who are great prospects," she says. "I think in 2004 we will have a very good team."
With the charismatic Produnova back in the mix, Russia is destined for a very good 1999- and 2000.
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