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.
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.
A fabulous short interview via VK.com. Google translates. 🎵 "End of the year to Rihanna? Possibly!": Angelina Melnikova on plans to update the program Angelina, when did you start training this year? 🎙 "I started training in January." What is your current training regimen? How often do you come to the Ozero Krugloe base? 🎙 "We have training camps every month at the base, so I train with the national team." Have you already started preparing for the Russian Cup? 🎙 "I am currently in recovery mode and am gradually moving to preparatory mode as part of my preparation for the Russian Cup, which will take place in April in Novosibirsk." Have you already managed to adjust your combinations to the new rules? 🎙 "As for the new rules: practically nothing has changed for us, so I didn't have to change my programs. However, there is an interesting innovation on the vault. Girls who perform jumps of different structures will be awarded a 0.2...
Such a lot is said about artistry these days - but you don't really see much evidence of it in the gymnastics. There are flashing moments of brilliance that some people enjoy - for example, a gymnast like Brazil's Flavia Saraiva is a favourite for her spirited and expressive floor and beam. Others might prefer the structured work of a gymnast like Kyla Ross. For me, though, the idea of consummate artistry has been lost almost totally - the last time I saw anything like it was in 2012 when Komova performed her floor so brilliantly in the all around final. But without a mechanism to reward artistry - something that is absent from this Code of Points - there really isn't much point even trying any more. Aliya Mustafina was interviewed recently while on holiday in Italy and expressed the opinion that artistry was something that was inborn, rather than trained. She uses a metaphor to describe this - some gymnasts have five gears, not four, and the abilit...
Viktoria wrote some hasty words last night in the heat of the moment. We all have such times, when hurt feelings lead us to behave uncharacteristically. It is not important what she said; it is important that Vika has reflected and wants us all to read this message which she published on VK.com this morning. "Dear friends! I want to apologize for my statements about American girls, about drugs, all my words were spoken on emotions. Of course I haven't any proof and didn't really mean it and so on... I am so sorry. I want to apologize for my character to all of you". Vika, we are still with you every step of the way.
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.
ReplyDelete