Thursday Afternoon Diversion: A Gymnastics Flashback

By Kevin Robinson in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 9, 2012 8:00PM

Ludmilla Ivanovna Tourischeva was the embodiment of everything that the classic Soviet-style of gymnastics was supposed to be: graceful, elegant, impeccable form and strong technique. In 1975, after performing poorly at the European Championships, she made a comeback on the Uneven Bars at that year's gymnastics World Cup, sweeping the event, and yes, taking out the bars at the end of her set.

The year's Olympic games in London took us back to the days when the Soviet gymnasts dominated the sport. Fortunately, Soviets no longer dominate Eastern Europe.