Skip to content

An Old School Gymnastics Blog

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Patreon
  • Articles
    • Modern Gymnastics
    • Gymnastics History
    • Gymnast Biographies
    • Data Crunch
    • NCAA
  • Data Hub
  • Gymnast Rankings
  • Gymnast Profiles

Category: Gymnastics History

Gymnastics History

Research Reveals Larissa Latynina Has a Previously Unknown Medal Which Puts Her Ahead of Simone Biles in the All-Time Medal Rankings

The long-running question of the “missing” 7th event from the 1954 World Championships has finally been solved. Continue reading Research Reveals Larissa Latynina Has a Previously Unknown Medal Which Puts Her Ahead of Simone Biles in the All-Time Medal Rankings

Mike DavisSeptember 14, 2022September 14, 20222 Comments
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Ranking the Most Successful Juniors in Gymnastics History

In order to determine who was the most successful junior in gymnastics history, I looked at the results from five international junior competitions to establish a ranking. Continue reading Ranking the Most Successful Juniors in Gymnastics History

Mike DavisMarch 13, 2022March 13, 2022Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Last Major Competition Without Country Limits

The 1975 World Cup represented the end of an era for Soviet gymnastics. Continue reading The Last Major Competition Without Country Limits

Mike DavisFebruary 2, 2022February 2, 20221 Comment
Gymnastics History

The Great Romanian Gymnasts Who Came Before Nadia (Part II)

Nadia Comaneci brought widespread fame to Romanian gymnastics. But the program had been producing legendary gymnasts long before her arrival. In Part I of this series I cover the legendary Romanian gymnasts of 1964-1974. Continue reading The Great Romanian Gymnasts Who Came Before Nadia (Part II)

Mike DavisJanuary 15, 2022January 19, 20223 Comments
Gymnastics History

The Great Romanian Gymnasts Who Came Before Nadia (Part I)

Nadia Comaneci brought widespread fame to Romanian gymnastics. But the program had been producing legendary gymnasts long before her arrival. In Part I of this series I cover the legendary Romanian gymnasts of 1952-1962. Continue reading The Great Romanian Gymnasts Who Came Before Nadia (Part I)

Mike DavisJanuary 15, 2022January 30, 20222 Comments
Gymnastics History

The Greatest Team That Never Went to the Olympics (Part II)

Recapping the careers of Natalia Yurchenko, Olga Mostepanova, Albina Shishova, Olga Bicherova, Tatiana Frolova, and Natalia Ilienko. Continue reading The Greatest Team That Never Went to the Olympics (Part II)

Mike DavisJanuary 12, 2022January 19, 20221 Comment
Gymnastics History

The Greatest Team That Never Went to the Olympics (Part I)

In 1983 the Soviets took the gold medal. Despite being one of the most well-rounded lineups in gymnastics history, not one member of this team became an Olympian. Continue reading The Greatest Team That Never Went to the Olympics (Part I)

Mike DavisJanuary 12, 2022January 19, 20221 Comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

The Greatest Gymnasts Who Never Went to the Olympics

These athletes were legends in their sport, but never competed on the biggest stage and most prestigious competition in women’s gymnastics. Continue reading The Greatest Gymnasts Who Never Went to the Olympics

Mike DavisDecember 16, 2021December 18, 202110 Comments
Gymnastics History

The Start List of the 1976 USSR Cup Was Insane

The amount of talent the Soviets had in 1976 was ludicrous. Four All-Around Champions, eight Hall of Famers, 14 Olympic appearances, a dozen child prodigies, the list goes on… Continue reading The Start List of the 1976 USSR Cup Was Insane

Mike DavisNovember 27, 2021November 28, 20213 Comments
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Are Junior Champions Likely to Become Senior Champions?

In gymnastics history there have been a wide variety of prestigious junior competitions. But what happens when the Champions of these competitions turn senior? Continue reading Are Junior Champions Likely to Become Senior Champions?

Mike DavisNovember 20, 2021November 20, 20212 Comments
Gymnastics History

Gymnasts Who Won Olympic AA Qualifications But Not AA Finals (Part I)

These gymnasts once lead the Olympic All-Around standings, but they didn’t have the same luck in AA Finals. Part I covers the gymnasts of 1972-2000. Continue reading Gymnasts Who Won Olympic AA Qualifications But Not AA Finals (Part I)

Mike DavisNovember 16, 2021November 16, 20211 Comment
Gymnastics History

Bizarre Encounters in Gymnastics History

Without revealing the context, if I were to have told you that these gymnasts competed against each other, your first reaction would be “that’s impossible.” Continue reading Bizarre Encounters in Gymnastics History

Mike DavisNovember 12, 2021November 13, 20211 Comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

When Did Marta Karolyi Become “Martha?”

Explaining the difference between “Martha” and “Marta” Karolyi. Continue reading When Did Marta Karolyi Become “Martha?”

Mike DavisOctober 7, 20212 Comments
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

The Russian City That Does Nothing but Produce Olympic Gymnasts

In 2021 Anastasia Ilyankova became the latest Olympian from a Russian city with a storied gymnastics history. Continue reading The Russian City That Does Nothing but Produce Olympic Gymnasts

Mike DavisAugust 29, 2021August 29, 2021Leave a comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

What Simone Biles did for Elena Mukhina

Simone Biles may not realize it, but she just gifted Elena Mukhina something that is long overdue. Continue reading What Simone Biles did for Elena Mukhina

Mike DavisAugust 10, 2021August 10, 20219 Comments
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Did Everyone Go to the Olympics Without Me? (Part II)

In this 2-part series I cover the rare phenomenon of the “near-Olympic team.” Part II covers teams from the 2000s-present Continue reading Did Everyone Go to the Olympics Without Me? (Part II)

Mike DavisJuly 13, 20212 Comments
Gymnastics History

Did Everyone Go to the Olympics Without Me? (Part I)

In this 2-part series I cover the rare phenomenon of the “near-Olympic team.” Part I covers teams from the 1970s-1990s. Continue reading Did Everyone Go to the Olympics Without Me? (Part I)

Mike DavisJuly 13, 2021July 13, 20211 Comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Gymnasts Who Were Role Models For a Future Olympian

These gymnasts didn’t make an Olympic team, but their young training partner did. Continue reading Gymnasts Who Were Role Models For a Future Olympian

Mike DavisJune 30, 2021July 2, 20212 Comments
Data Crunch, Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Ranking the Most Dominant All-Around Podiums

Ranking the strongest All-Around podiums in gymnastics history based on success throughout the rest of the competition. Continue reading Ranking the Most Dominant All-Around Podiums

Mike DavisJune 21, 2021December 9, 20223 Comments
Data Crunch, Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Ranking the Most Dominant All-Around Podiums (By Year)

Ranking the strongest All-Around podiums in gymnastics history based on success throughout the rest of the competition. Continue reading Ranking the Most Dominant All-Around Podiums (By Year)

Mike DavisJune 21, 2021December 9, 20221 Comment
Gymnastics History

Dominique Dawes is on a Mission to Fix Gymnastics

Dominique Dawes wants to change gymnastics, and she won’t mince words in an attempt to accomplish that goal. Continue reading Dominique Dawes is on a Mission to Fix Gymnastics

Mike DavisMay 16, 2021Leave a comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Viktoria Listunova Achieved a Record Only Held by Nadia Comaneci

For 1st-year seniors it is usually impossible to win the All-Around at the European Championships. Only Nadia Comaneci had done it, now Viktoria Listunova can say the same. Continue reading Viktoria Listunova Achieved a Record Only Held by Nadia Comaneci

Mike DavisMay 4, 2021May 4, 2021Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Unlucky Generation of Soviet Gymnastics

If you were a Soviet gymnast, you did not want to be born in the 1940s. Continue reading The Unlucky Generation of Soviet Gymnastics

Mike DavisApril 16, 2021April 16, 20214 Comments
Gymnastics History

How Close Did Olga Korbut Come to Not Making the 1972 Olympic Team?

What would gymnastics be like if Olga Korbut had been left off the 1972 Soviet Olympic team? This scenario came awfully close to happening. Continue reading How Close Did Olga Korbut Come to Not Making the 1972 Olympic Team?

Mike DavisMarch 28, 2021March 29, 20212 Comments
Gymnastics History, Uncategorized

The Unlikely Gymnast and the Unlikely Coach (Part II)

It was the most unconventional duo in gymnastics history. The partnership between Elena Mukhina and Mikhail Klimenko was highly successful, but also proved to be mutually self-destructive. Continue reading The Unlikely Gymnast and the Unlikely Coach (Part II)

Mike DavisMarch 5, 2021March 5, 20213 Comments
Gymnastics History

The Unlikely Gymnast and the Unlikely Coach (Part I)

It was the most unconventional duo in gymnastics history. The partnership between Elena Mukhina and Mikhail Klimenko was highly successful, but also proved to be mutually self-destructive. Continue reading The Unlikely Gymnast and the Unlikely Coach (Part I)

Mike DavisMarch 5, 2021March 5, 2021Leave a comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Oksana Chusovitina Is No Longer the Oldest Olympic Gymnast

Due to newly surfaced research, it has been discovered that there is an Olympic gymnast who is even older than Oksana Chusovitina. So, Oksana Chusovitina will just have to break that record again. Continue reading Oksana Chusovitina Is No Longer the Oldest Olympic Gymnast

Mike DavisMarch 3, 2021March 4, 20215 Comments
Gymnastics History

Dianne Durham Honored in Kentucky House of Representatives

In 1983 Dianne Durham visited Kentucky, 38 years later that visit was remembered in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Continue reading Dianne Durham Honored in Kentucky House of Representatives

Mike DavisFebruary 12, 2021February 12, 2021Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

Dianne Durham: A Career That Mattered

As the gymnastics community mourns the passing of a legend, now is the time to reflect on the importance of her career. Continue reading Dianne Durham: A Career That Mattered

Mike DavisFebruary 5, 2021February 5, 202110 Comments
Gymnastics History

Remembering Julissa Gomez

People remember Julissa Gomez for the way her career ended, but the rest of her story should be remembered as well. Continue reading Remembering Julissa Gomez

Mike DavisJanuary 22, 2021February 24, 20211 Comment
Gymnastics History

The Rise and Fall of Kim Gwang Suk

Kim Gwang Suk was a fascinating gymnast, she emerged in an era of chaos while her disappearance was equally perplexing. Continue reading The Rise and Fall of Kim Gwang Suk

Mike DavisJanuary 19, 2021January 29, 2021Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Wolf Turn Was as Popular 50 Years Ago as it is Today (Part II)

In Part II of this series, I cover the history of the wolf turn and why it should be considered one of the most sacred skills in gymnastics history. Continue reading The Wolf Turn Was as Popular 50 Years Ago as it is Today (Part II)

Mike DavisJanuary 18, 2021January 18, 2021Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Wolf Turn Was as Popular 50 Years Ago as it is Today (Part I)

It would shock you to know that the wolf turn is not a modern skill. It was as popular 50 years ago as it is today. Continue reading The Wolf Turn Was as Popular 50 Years Ago as it is Today (Part I)

Mike DavisJanuary 18, 2021January 19, 20213 Comments
Gymnastics History

1928 Italy: The Most Tragic Record in Sports

In 1928, a team of child athletes won a silver medal in the gymnastics team competition. Shortly afterwards, one of them died. Continue reading 1928 Italy: The Most Tragic Record in Sports

Mike DavisJanuary 9, 20213 Comments
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Reunion: The Little French Island That Produces So Many Olympic Gymnasts

This small island off the coast of Madagascar has produced seven Olympic gymnasts. Continue reading Reunion: The Little French Island That Produces So Many Olympic Gymnasts

Mike DavisJanuary 7, 2021January 7, 2021Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Forgotten Countries of the 1980 Boycott

The 1980 Olympic boycott is widely portrayed through the lens of the USA, here is how it impacted everyone else. Continue reading The Forgotten Countries of the 1980 Boycott

Mike DavisJanuary 5, 2021January 5, 2021Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

How the 1980 Olympic Boycott Altered the Career of Olga Mostepanova

Olga Mostepanova is well known for being affected by the 1984 Olympic boycott, this is how the 1980 boycott impacted her career as well. Continue reading How the 1980 Olympic Boycott Altered the Career of Olga Mostepanova

Mike DavisJanuary 4, 2021January 6, 20211 Comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

The Most Successful Gymnasts Who Never Won a Gold Medal

These gymnasts never won a gold medal. But that didn’t stop them from becoming icons of the sport. Continue reading The Most Successful Gymnasts Who Never Won a Gold Medal

Mike DavisDecember 8, 2020December 14, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

Why Gymnastics Was the Hardest Hit Olympic Sport in the Holocaust

In this article I examine the unique history of gymnastics that put the sport at the center of the Holocaust. Continue reading Why Gymnastics Was the Hardest Hit Olympic Sport in the Holocaust

Mike DavisDecember 7, 2020December 7, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

Gymnastics and the Holocaust

Gymnastics was by far the hardest hit sport in the Holocaust. In this article I recount the careers of over 20 elite level gymnasts who had been murdered during World War II. Continue reading Gymnastics and the Holocaust

Mike DavisDecember 7, 2020December 7, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

When Ukraine Ruled Gymnastics

Oksana Omelianchik, Tatiana Gutsu, and Lilia Podkopayeva. From the late 1980s to the early 1990s, Ukraine was an unstoppable force in gymnastics. Continue reading When Ukraine Ruled Gymnastics

Mike DavisDecember 6, 2020December 9, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

When Ukraine Ruled the Artistic Sports

Tatiana Gutsu, Oksana Baiul, Lilia Podkopayeva, and Alexandra Timoshenko. Ukraine’s dominance of artistic sports in the 1990s was a sight to behold. Continue reading When Ukraine Ruled the Artistic Sports

Mike DavisDecember 6, 2020December 9, 20202 Comments
Gymnastics History

How Dominant Was the Eastern Bloc in Gymnastics?

The Eastern Bloc once dominated gymnastics, but how should their medal count be interpreted? Continue reading How Dominant Was the Eastern Bloc in Gymnastics?

Mike DavisDecember 2, 2020December 7, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

Elena Shushunova and the Impact of Body Shaming

How the topic of body-image affected Elena Shushunova. Continue reading Elena Shushunova and the Impact of Body Shaming

Mike DavisNovember 30, 2020February 23, 20211 Comment
Gymnastics History

Gymnasts Who Were Named After Other Gymnasts

Usually it is a coincidence when two gymnastics share a name, but what about the times when it isn’t? Continue reading Gymnasts Who Were Named After Other Gymnasts

Mike DavisNovember 20, 2020November 25, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

Gymnasts Who Wore the Elena Mukhina Leotard

In 1977 Elena Mukhina made the daisy-dot leotard iconic iconic, but she was far from the only gymnast who wore this leotard. Continue reading Gymnasts Who Wore the Elena Mukhina Leotard

Mike DavisNovember 15, 2020January 16, 20213 Comments
Gymnastics History

The Time Larissa Latynina Won Five Gold Medals While Four-Months Pregnant

In 1958 Larissa Latynina produced one of the most impressive performances in gymnastics history. Unbeknownst to her coaches, she competed while four-months pregnant. Continue reading The Time Larissa Latynina Won Five Gold Medals While Four-Months Pregnant

Mike DavisNovember 9, 2020November 9, 20201 Comment
Gymnastics History

Lavinia Agache: The Art of Keeping Cool

In 1981 Lavinia Agache found herself at the center of two major controversies, but she didn’t let either one distract her from the task at hand. Winning medals. Continue reading Lavinia Agache: The Art of Keeping Cool

Mike DavisNovember 2, 20203 Comments
Gymnastics History

The Most Popular Leotard in Gymnastics History (Part III)

In 1978 a leotard first appeared that would become so popular, nearly 30 Olympians wore it. Part III covers Japan, Canada, Great Britain, and rhythmic gymnastics. Continue reading The Most Popular Leotard in Gymnastics History (Part III)

Mike DavisOctober 20, 2020October 20, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Most Popular Leotard in Gymnastics History (Part II)

In 1978 a leotard first appeared that would become so popular, nearly 30 Olympians wore it. Part II covers the United States, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Elena Davydova. Continue reading The Most Popular Leotard in Gymnastics History (Part II)

Mike DavisOctober 20, 2020October 21, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Most Popular Leotard in Gymnastics History (Part I)

In 1978 a leotard first appeared that would become so popular, nearly 30 Olympians wore it. Part I covers the Soviet Union, China, Romania, East Germany, and Czechoslovakia. Continue reading The Most Popular Leotard in Gymnastics History (Part I)

Mike DavisOctober 20, 2020October 20, 20201 Comment
Gymnastics History

The Fun Side of Romanian Gymnastics

When they weren’t winning medals, the Romanian gymnasts were afforded time to have a little fun. Continue reading The Fun Side of Romanian Gymnastics

Mike DavisOctober 3, 2020October 3, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Famous Mother and Daughter Duos in Gymnastics (Part II)

There are many instances in which a famous gymnast had a daughter who was also a gymnast. In Part II of this series I cover all the examples of mothers whose daughters competed in the NCAA gymnastics as well as other miscellaneous examples. Continue reading Famous Mother and Daughter Duos in Gymnastics (Part II)

Mike DavisSeptember 28, 2020September 29, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Famous Mother and Daughter Duos in Gymnastics (Part I)

There are many instances in which a famous gymnast had a daughter who also went to the Olympics. In Part I of this series I cover all the examples of mothers and daughters who were both Olympians. Continue reading Famous Mother and Daughter Duos in Gymnastics (Part I)

Mike DavisSeptember 28, 2020December 6, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

The Greatest Bar Workers in Gymnastics History

The gymnasts who have left the greatest mark in uneven bars history. Continue reading The Greatest Bar Workers in Gymnastics History

Mike DavisSeptember 19, 2020December 16, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

Gymnasts From Different Eras Who Are Actually the Same Age

Due to luck, misfortune, and/or fate, these gymnasts are associated with different Olympic quads despite being the same age. Continue reading Gymnasts From Different Eras Who Are Actually the Same Age

Mike DavisSeptember 8, 2020September 8, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Greatest Picture of 1980s Gymnastics

In 1986 seven gymnasts gathered for a picture. All of them remain iconic to this day. Continue reading The Greatest Picture of 1980s Gymnastics

Mike DavisSeptember 5, 2020September 5, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The 1968 Soviet Gymnasts Who Married Each Other

In 1968 the Soviets sent six gymnasts to Mexico City, five of them married an Olympian. Continue reading The 1968 Soviet Gymnasts Who Married Each Other

Mike DavisSeptember 3, 2020September 12, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Elena Mukhina Tapes

In 1978 Elena Mukhina was asked about the possibility of serious injury. Continue reading The Elena Mukhina Tapes

Mike DavisSeptember 2, 2020September 2, 20202 Comments
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Gymnasts Who Swept a Competition

The gymnasts who won a medal on every event at a single competition. Continue reading Gymnasts Who Swept a Competition

Mike DavisSeptember 1, 2020September 1, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Gymnasts Who (Almost) Swept a Competition

Gymnasts who would have medaled on every event, if not for a 4th place finish. Continue reading Gymnasts Who (Almost) Swept a Competition

Mike DavisSeptember 1, 2020September 1, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Shannon Miller Exception

Prior to the 2008 Olympic quad, the gymnasts with the most career medals came from Eastern Europe. Shannon Miller is the only exception to this trend. Continue reading The Shannon Miller Exception

Mike DavisAugust 27, 2020August 29, 20205 Comments
Gymnastics History

The Quirky Rule Which Allowed Seniors to Compete as Juniors

Due to a quirk in age limits, for three decades gymnasts could compete in an Olympics and then return to junior competition. Continue reading The Quirky Rule Which Allowed Seniors to Compete as Juniors

Mike DavisAugust 23, 2020August 23, 20201 Comment
Gymnastics History

Nina Dronova: The Nadia Before Nadia

This gymnast was beating Turischeva at 13 years old, scored a Perfect 10 and was named to an Olympic team the following year. But her name isn’t Nadia… Continue reading Nina Dronova: The Nadia Before Nadia

Mike DavisAugust 21, 2020March 29, 2021Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Lesser Known Leotards of Oksana Omelianchik

Going through pictures of Oksana Omelianchik’s leotards reveals an interesting trend. Continue reading The Lesser Known Leotards of Oksana Omelianchik

Mike DavisAugust 14, 2020August 21, 20202 Comments
Gymnastics History

Would Elena Mukhina Have Made the Olympic Team if Not For Her Paralyzing Injury?

Elena Mukhina missed the 1980 Olympics due to a tragic injury. But would she have made the Olympics if that injury had never happened? Continue reading Would Elena Mukhina Have Made the Olympic Team if Not For Her Paralyzing Injury?

Mike DavisAugust 10, 2020August 10, 20206 Comments
Gymnastics History

Marcia Frederick and Shawn Johnson Experienced the Same Struggle 28 Years Apart

In July of 2020 Shawn Johnson reflected on her experiences. Her comments were almost identical to what Marcia Frederick had said nearly three decades earlier. Continue reading Marcia Frederick and Shawn Johnson Experienced the Same Struggle 28 Years Apart

Mike DavisJuly 18, 2020July 22, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

How Mary Lou Retton Tries to Rewrite Gymnastics History

Why does Mary Lou Retton contend that Ecaterina Szabo was the 1983 World Champion? Continue reading How Mary Lou Retton Tries to Rewrite Gymnastics History

Mike DavisJuly 12, 2020July 16, 20204 Comments
Gymnastics History

The Number of Olympians in this Picture is Insane

In 1990 the Soviets posed for a team photo. Little did they know the breakup of the USSR was about to alter the course of their Gymnastics careers. Continue reading The Number of Olympians in this Picture is Insane

Mike DavisApril 24, 20201 Comment
Gymnastics History

Ludmilla Turischeva Went Out Like a Legend

Turischeva rebounded from a devastating defeat at the hands of Nadia to salvage the final two years of her career. Continue reading Ludmilla Turischeva Went Out Like a Legend

Mike DavisApril 21, 2020April 29, 20203 Comments
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

The Hidden Difficulty of the Vault

The difficulty of performing well on vault in an Event Finals in more difficult than people realize. Continue reading The Hidden Difficulty of the Vault

Mike DavisApril 18, 2020April 21, 20202 Comments
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Vault Queens Who Did Not Win an Olympic Gold Medal

Three vault legends seemed to be unbeatable on the apparatus, only to make a mistake at the worst possible moment. Continue reading Vault Queens Who Did Not Win an Olympic Gold Medal

Mike DavisApril 18, 2020April 20, 20201 Comment
Gymnastics History

The Unapologetically Bad Judging in Early Olympic History

Judges once had the power to single handedly award their own country a medal. It went about as well as one would expect. Continue reading The Unapologetically Bad Judging in Early Olympic History

Mike DavisApril 12, 2020April 12, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

How Bela and Marta Karolyi Got Their Daughter out of Romania

The road to retrieve their daughter from Romania took Bela and Marta Karolyi to a little known Congressman who worked on trade deals. What happened next would change the course of American gymnastics history. Continue reading How Bela and Marta Karolyi Got Their Daughter out of Romania

Mike DavisMarch 21, 2020July 1, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

Two-Time Olympians Who Never Competed in a World Championships

The idea of a gymnast making it to the Olympics 2x but not the World Championships may sound ludicrous, but a surprising number of gymnasts have done it. Continue reading Two-Time Olympians Who Never Competed in a World Championships

Mike DavisMarch 17, 2020May 8, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Queens of 4th Place (Part II)

The gymnasts who have had the worst luck with 4th place finishes. (Part II) Continue reading The Queens of 4th Place (Part II)

Mike DavisMarch 4, 2020March 4, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Queens of 4th Place (Part I)

The gymnasts who have had the worst luck with 4th place finishes. (Part I) Continue reading The Queens of 4th Place (Part I)

Mike DavisMarch 4, 2020March 4, 20203 Comments
Gymnastics History

After Her Injury a Soviet Coverup Hurt Elena Mukhina Even More

Unable to hide the fact that their top gymnast had been seriously hurt, the Soviets found other ways to downplay the events that had transpired. Continue reading After Her Injury a Soviet Coverup Hurt Elena Mukhina Even More

Mike DavisFebruary 25, 2020February 25, 20202 Comments
Gymnastics History

How Fan Mail Bothered Elena Mukhina

After her injury Elena Mukhina received letters of support from fans, some of which did more harm than good. Continue reading How Fan Mail Bothered Elena Mukhina

Mike DavisFebruary 25, 2020April 1, 20201 Comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Is it Harder to Win Medals in Men’s or Women’s Gymnastics?

Is it easier to win medals in men’s gymnastics or women’s gymnastics? The question sounds simple but the answer is anything but. Continue reading Is it Harder to Win Medals in Men’s or Women’s Gymnastics?

Mike DavisJanuary 29, 2020July 27, 20201 Comment
Gymnastics History

The Time an 11 year Old Nadia Defeated a Legend

In a little known competition from 1973, Romania’s best Olympian was beaten by an 11 year old. Continue reading The Time an 11 year Old Nadia Defeated a Legend

Mike DavisJanuary 16, 2020January 24, 20203 Comments
Gymnastics History

When Iran had Women’s Gymnastics

The little known story of the time Iran sent a gymnast to the Olympics in WAG. Continue reading When Iran had Women’s Gymnastics

Mike DavisJanuary 13, 2020November 6, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

What the Atlanta Olympics Gave Us

An iconic American win on American soil produced a series of events that would impact the future of the sport in more ways than one. Continue reading What the Atlanta Olympics Gave Us

Mike DavisJanuary 12, 2020January 12, 20202 Comments
Gymnastics History

You Can’t Google Romania Without Getting Nadia Comaneci

For Romania, Nadia was more than just a gymnast. Continue reading You Can’t Google Romania Without Getting Nadia Comaneci

Mike DavisDecember 4, 2019March 23, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

The Russian Gymnasts Who Broke Our Hearts

The Russian gymnasts who should have won more medals. Continue reading The Russian Gymnasts Who Broke Our Hearts

Mike DavisNovember 30, 2019April 18, 20203 Comments
Gymnastics History

Non-Olympians Who Should Have Gone to Multiple Olympics

The fascinating trend of great non-Olympians who came close to being 2x Olympians. Continue reading Non-Olympians Who Should Have Gone to Multiple Olympics

Mike DavisNovember 27, 2019November 30, 2019Leave a comment
Gymnastics History, Off-Topic

The History of Olympians Competing Under the Olympic Flag

Unified Team, Olympic Athlete From Russia, Refugee Olympic Team, and more. I recap the history of Olympians comping under the Olympic flag. Continue reading The History of Olympians Competing Under the Olympic Flag

Mike DavisNovember 27, 2019December 9, 2019Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

Elena Mukhina’s Trip to America

In the wake of her 1978 AA title, Elena Mukhina went on a world tour. Among her stops were 10 American cities. Continue reading Elena Mukhina’s Trip to America

Mike DavisNovember 20, 2019February 25, 2020Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The Disputed Olympic Medals in American Gymnastics

How an Austrian gymnast and a triathlon made USA the most decorated MAG program up until the 1968 Olympics. Continue reading The Disputed Olympic Medals in American Gymnastics

Mike DavisNovember 17, 2019November 17, 2019Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

USA Gymnastics: Why the Men Have More Olympic Medals Than the Women

It may come as a shock, but in the USA program MAG has more Olympic medals than WAG. Continue reading USA Gymnastics: Why the Men Have More Olympic Medals Than the Women

Mike DavisNovember 17, 2019November 17, 2019Leave a comment
Gymnastics Bios, Gymnastics History

Gymnastics Bios #2: Carla Marangoni

The story of the 12-year old gymnast with an Olympic medal who lived for over a century. Continue reading Gymnastics Bios #2: Carla Marangoni

Mike DavisNovember 1, 2019November 29, 20191 Comment
Gymnastics History

How Many Medals Would Larissa Latynina Have Won Under Modern Scheduling?

Larissa Latynina won her medals in an era where the World Championships were held once every four years. What would have happened if she competed under the current format where they are held 3x every four years? Continue reading How Many Medals Would Larissa Latynina Have Won Under Modern Scheduling?

Mike DavisOctober 23, 2019November 17, 20191 Comment
Gymnastics History

Shortly After Her Paralysis Elena Mukhina Wrote a Letter

A catastrophic injury cost Mukhina the use of her limbs. But that didn’t stop her from handwriting a letter 18 months later. Continue reading Shortly After Her Paralysis Elena Mukhina Wrote a Letter

Mike DavisOctober 21, 2019February 25, 20208 Comments
Gymnastics History

The Year Without Gymnastics

In 1963 Caslavska and Latynina were poised for an epic showdown. Instead a boycott would prevent it from happening. Continue reading The Year Without Gymnastics

Mike DavisOctober 15, 2019November 17, 20195 Comments
Gymnastics History

The 1981 World Championships Conspiracy Theory (Part II)

A series of unusual events at the 1981 World Championships caused speculation that something was going on behind the scenes.

This is Part II that covers the actual competition itself. Continue reading The 1981 World Championships Conspiracy Theory (Part II)

Mike DavisAugust 30, 2019November 17, 2019Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The 1981 World Championships Conspiracy Theory (Part I)

A series of unusual events at the 1981 World Championships caused speculation that something was going on behind the scenes. This is Part I that covers the buildup to the 1981 World Championships. Continue reading The 1981 World Championships Conspiracy Theory (Part I)

Mike DavisAugust 30, 2019July 19, 20201 Comment
Gymnastics History

How Olga Bicherova Defied Sexism in the USSR

After finishing up a successful athletic career Olga Bicherova decided to do something unconventional. Continue reading How Olga Bicherova Defied Sexism in the USSR

Mike DavisAugust 27, 2019July 27, 20203 Comments
Gymnastics History

The Differences Between Nadia and Olga Korbut

They are two of the most famous names in gymnastics history, but they couldn’t have been any more different. Continue reading The Differences Between Nadia and Olga Korbut

Mike DavisAugust 26, 2019December 7, 201910 Comments
Gymnastics History, Modern Gymnastics

Why So Many Gymnasts Come From Voronezh

Viktoria Komova, Angelina Melnikova, and Elena Davydova. Why is a relatively small Russian city a gymnastics powerhouse? Continue reading Why So Many Gymnasts Come From Voronezh

Mike DavisAugust 25, 2019November 17, 2019Leave a comment
Gymnastics History

The First Time Turischeva Met Nadia Was an Outlandish Incident

In 1974 Turischeva first crossed paths with Nadia. The problem was, Nadia wasn’t supposed to be there. Continue reading The First Time Turischeva Met Nadia Was an Outlandish Incident

Mike DavisAugust 23, 2019November 17, 2019Leave a comment

Posts navigation

Older posts

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 159 other subscribers
My Tweets

Archives

  • March 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
2022 World ChampionshipsSeptember 29, 2023
6 months to go.
2024 OlympicsAugust 2, 2024
16 months to go.
  • ©TheMedalCount™ All Rights Reserved
Create a website or blog at WordPress.com
  • Follow Following
    • An Old School Gymnastics Blog
    • Join 159 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • An Old School Gymnastics Blog
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...