Nailya Mustafina...A walk through her career.

At one point in her career, Nailya Mustafina was dubbed the next big thing in Russian Gymnastics.  At just 11 years old, the pint sized gymnast emerged onto the elite scene and earned the hearts of many who adored her cutesy choreography and powerful tumbling. Born on November 5, 1996 in Moscow, Russia, Nailya was age eligible for the 2012 Olympics, but unfortunately it was not to be. With an older sister dominating the world stage, Nailya hoped she would have been right along with her, but injuries prevented her from doing so.

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In 2008, everything was looking great for little Nailya. This year was her coming out party and she got plenty of international experience for being just 11 years old. At the Gymnix International she placed 2nd on beam, 1st on floor, and 3rd all around. At the WOGA Classic, she placed 1st on floor and 2nd on vault, bars, beam and all around.  (Even beating Viktoria Komova) At the Pacific Rim Championships, she placed 12th all around and 2nd on beam.

                          

In 2009, Nailya competed at the Houston National Invitational in both the individual and team competition. Shortly after, she broke her femur when she took a fall off bars. She didn't return to competition until 2010, but this time-things were much different. Nailya grew taller and went through puberty and has competed very little since.  At the 2010 Moscow and Dynamo Championships, Nailya showed watered down routines and really struggled on every event.            

                                   

From 2010 and on, Nailya has only competed at Russian meets and has not been on the national team. Her family still believed in her though. In an interview with the Mustafina's father, he said that Nailya was serious about making the Olympic team and winning the Olympics.

                                

In 2012, at the age of 16, Nailya finally turned senior. Although she didn't get a plan ticket to compete for Russia in London, she still made the trip to support her sister Aliya. Wether Nailya decides to continue gymnastics, we are unsure. But we wish her the best of luck in whatever she decides to do.

                                

The Mustafina sisters