5th Destination: Russia Russia was established as an independent nation in 1991 and has more or less continued the great Soviet Union's tradition in artistic gymnastics. However, it didn't appear to be a smooth transition. Because of political, social and financial uncertainty in the late Glasnost years and during the early years of the C.I.S. many gymnasts who were still in excellent shape after the 1989 World Championships had to quit. Many trainers also left for the abroad and the Russian gymnastics federation had to start from scratch with the most promising juniors still training at the various training centers all over Russia. Therefore it took until about 1993-1994 for Russia to come close to the strength of the former Soviet Union. Russian gymnasts are in great demand, no international meet is complete without them, therefore they can be found competing all over the world. Source: http://www.olympic-eurogym.demon.nl/russia/ ----- CREDITS Avery. Magnet wrestler suit and Engine Room. PoserWorld pommel horse. Ken Sizemore Pose. Eric Westray Mike ECS. Poser Style Hair. FreeStuff