Reporting and analysing Russian gymnastics since 2010. Includes original and exclusive interviews with leading coaches and gymnasts, and historical issues dating back to the Soviet Union. The first blog to report extensively on the sport using Russian language sources.
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Fishing the internet for black and white pictures of gymnasts, I came across the following images at the RIA Novosti Media Gallery.
1981 World Champion Olga Bicherova is very photogenic, and I love these candid shots. Soviet champions were often highly praised for their diligence and sense of duty, not just in sports but in everyday life. Collecting stamps, replying to fan mail and working hard in the classroom all personified the work ethic and high standards which exemplified the perfect Soviet citizen.
Olga Bicherova replying to a Japanese fan's letter, shortly after winning the 1981 World Championships. Courtesy of RIA Novosti
Olga Bicherova in practice with choreographer Galina Savarina, in 1982
Olga Bicherova and her stamp collection, 1981
Olga Bicherova, the model schoolgirl, 1981
Tiny Olga Bicherova with coach Boris Orlov in 1978
This brief Soviet television documentary emphasises the personal qualities that made her such a great example for youth.
Olga Bicherova was a gymnast of great charisma, charm and competitive strength. She is remembered in particular for her tantalizing floor performances, aggressive vaulting and confident beam routines.
You can find here the floor routine with which Olga won the 1981 World all around title.
And her later, 1983, floor routine, for me a favourite for its personality, expression and the way she flirts with the judges.
There is some doubt over Olga's birthdate: born October 26th, did she turn 14, or 15 (as required to compete in an FIG competition) in 1981? Even now, some thirty-one years later, there is confusion; for example, age details on some of the Novosti pictures from 1978 and 1979 are confusing. But with such a time distance, it is easy enough to get someone's age wrong. Surely, at such a tender age Bicherova would not have been able to change her own credentials. What remains certain is that Bicherova was one of the best gymnasts in the world during a time when talent and competition were deeper than ever.
In a 2000 International Gymnast interview, Olga's former coach Boris Orlov admitted she was too young to compete that year, but didn't say exactly how old she was. Sorry I can't recall which issue - it's some time between January and May.
'I'm very happy that everything turned out well today ... Each medal is very special. The UK team made mistakes, so there was a wide margin [of victory]... But naturally, [what I did] is not enough for the Olympics. I prepared well for beam and bars but I am not ready for floor, I stepped up to help the team. ... To be honest, I did not look at the scores [when asked how the team reacted to the 6.5 gap before the final apparatus]. Gelya (Melnikova) is a good girl, she did everything and did not falter ... Seda fell on quite a complex element. There is more work to do, but everything else went well.' [About a protest taken by the coaches on her beam score]. 'I am used to my protests being rejected, everything is normal!' Via vk.com I n other news , the UEG has confirmed that Spiridonova will replace Melnikova in tomorrow's bars final. No reason is given, but it is generally considered that Dasha has a better chance of gold. This decision also means tha...
I awoke this morning to a very simple statement from Viktoria Komova, on her vk.com site, which Papa Liukin has translated (via the IG forum): 'Dear friends, fans, and gymnastics lovers. Unfortunately back pain isn't allowing me to train to my full potential and get ready for competitions. I've made the very difficult decision to stop training and take care of my health. I want to thank everyone for their support! Without your love and warmth it would've been more difficult to go all the way. Thanks everyone and see you soon! Love and kisses.' Well, first of all, good wishes and best of luck to Viktoria, who has struggled since 2012 to re-establish herself fully as a competitive gymnast, whose talent was so great that she secured gold on bars at two different World Championships, four years apart, whose career was littered with controversy, who must be allowed to live her life as she wishes. I know that the 'gymternet' will now be overflowing...
The Russians during a team talk in training for the World Championships. Courtesy RGF Bronze all the way for Russia then. Beyond the euphoria and surprise of this morning's competition there doesn't really seem to be much to write home about. I am delighted for Aliya personally that the efforts she has made to help the team have provided her with some tangible result, but the principal feeling at the end of the competition is that of relief. As Vaitsekhovskaya said in her article last week, there were no moments of shock and awe from the Russians, and that's what will be needed if they are to compete for gold medals in Rio (translation available here ). Let's consider a timeline of the competition : before, during and after. BEFORE The promise of a return to the Worlds stage by Viktoria Komova gave Russia a feeling of optimism pre-Russia Cup. However, Viktoria's performance at this important competition gave little reason for celebra...
In a 2000 International Gymnast interview, Olga's former coach Boris Orlov admitted she was too young to compete that year, but didn't say exactly how old she was. Sorry I can't recall which issue - it's some time between January and May.
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