A friend said to me that some of the pictures of Ivan Stretovich posted earlier on this blog reminded her a little of the young Dmitri Bilozerchev, who became a world champion at the age of 16. This sent me off to the excellent RIA Novosti media library in search of some pictures.
One thing leads to another, and I was then reminded of the amazing Alexander Alexandrov, who coached Bilozerchev from boyhood, and mentored him to a second World Championships all around title in 1987. Bilozerchev almost lost his left leg in a 1985 car accident (broken in over 40 places, surgeons were considering amputation). His recovery is legendary.
Alexandrov used to wax lyrical about Bilozerchev, calling him the 'Mozart of gymnastics', and telling stories of how as a youngster Bilo would be motivated to practice harder by the promise of cakes :-)
But in London, it won't be the first time that Alexandrov has nursed a phenomenal champion from the edge of disaster, back to the top of their sport.
Russian gymnastics possesses, and continues, an amazing sporting heritage.
 |
| Bilozerchev competes in Moscow in July 1983, just prior to winning his first World Championships in Budapest that same autumn. |
One thing leads to another, and I was then reminded of the amazing Alexander Alexandrov, who coached Bilozerchev from boyhood, and mentored him to a second World Championships all around title in 1987. Bilozerchev almost lost his left leg in a 1985 car accident (broken in over 40 places, surgeons were considering amputation). His recovery is legendary.
Alexandrov used to wax lyrical about Bilozerchev, calling him the 'Mozart of gymnastics', and telling stories of how as a youngster Bilo would be motivated to practice harder by the promise of cakes :-)
But in London, it won't be the first time that Alexandrov has nursed a phenomenal champion from the edge of disaster, back to the top of their sport.
Russian gymnastics possesses, and continues, an amazing sporting heritage.
How possible to be so nice to the former Soviet Super Stars! I agree that "Bill" really standing in front of me when I am watching the Yong Russian prodigy. I called "Bill" in my book The Genius of Gymnastics with phenomenal ability to learn new skis. Thanks one more time for the memory! Thanks one more time for the reminder that Russia was strong and will be strong ... Because Russia's past in gymnastics are such a great people as Sasha and "Bill"!!
ReplyDeleteWhen is the Russian Cup?
ReplyDelete