Albert at the All Around Forum posted a link to these two videos, produced by Soviet sports committee Goskomsport in 1990. This was at the very cusp of the breakdown of the Soviet Union and represents perhaps a final record of their sporting educational legacy. Top gymnasts demonstrate basic skills, and we are reminded why the Soviet Union is considered to be a leader in technical excellence twenty years after its last appearance at major competition. The videos are punctuated by character shots of major national championships, and some performances of the then current (1989) USSR All Around Champion Natalia Laschenova, whose complex skills such as the full twisting double somersault dismount from beam appear both powerful and faultless (the take up and twist in the first somersault is almost in the straight position - I think this is the best I have seen the skill performed). The Youtube videos are annotated with the names of the gymnasts appearing, but for the sake of keeping the...
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. I read, I argue, and I have opinions. Be warned.