Larissa Latynina (RUS) turns 75

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, December 22, 2009: In celebration of the 75th birthday of Larissa Latynina (RUS) and as a tribute to her career as an exceptional record-breaking gymnast, the Latynina’s School of Gymnastics in Obninsk (RUS) will hold the 1st International Tournament “Gold Gull” on December 27, 2009.

Larissa Latynina – A gymnastic icon

Larissa Latynina dominated Women’s Artistic Gymnastics between 1956 and 1964, collecting a remarkable 18 Olympic medals. Latynina’s incredible achievements make her the holder of several Olympic records. Not only is she the most titled gymnast of all times, she is the only athlete in any sport to have won eighteen Olympic medals. She is one of only four athletes to have taken nine Olympic Gold medals and one of three women to have dominated the same event at three Summer Olympic Games. (Scroll down for details!)

Latynina’s School of Gymnastics

Founded in 2004 and expanded in 2007, the Latynina’s School of Gymnastics is the first and sole educational organisation under the aegis of the prominent Russian gymnast. A total of 1,073 students currently train at the Obninsk school, located in Kaluga Oblast, Russia, just 102 km southwest of Moscow.

On behalf of the FIG authorities, President Prof Bruno Grandi (ITA) offered Larissa Latynina his warm wishes and expressed admiration and gratitude for her prestigious accomplishments. “Larissa, we hold you in the highest esteem,” said the President. “The entire gymnastics community applauds you for having given so much to our sport, and for so fully cultivating the Olympic spirit.”

Latynina’s Olympic career

Debut success
Aged 21, Latynina made her Olympic debut at the 1956 Melbourne Games. She fought off fierce competition to win Gold in the All-around event. In the Apparatus Finals she finished first on Vault, second on Uneven Bars and on Floor Exercise, and fourth on Balance Beam. She also led the Soviet Union to victory in the team event.

Medal rush
At the 1960 Rome Games, Latynina defended her All-around title and won another Gold medal in the team event. She also earned a second Gold medal on Floor Exercise, picked up Silver medals on Uneven Bars and Balance Beam, and a Bronze on Vault. Yet despite winning seven Olympic Gold medals, her hunger for success was not diminished.

Olympic Games Rome 1960
© IOC

Sustained success
Four years later, Latynina won her third Olympic team Gold and a Silver in the All-around event. In the Apparatus Finals she won Silver on Vault, Bronze on Uneven Bars and Balance Beam, and won the Floor Exercise for the third straight time.

WAG All-Around podium
Tokyo 1964
© IOC

Watch a video of Larissa Latynina!

(contribution: IOC)