by L. Ivanova
Sovetsky Sport. May 26, 1974. I don't have enough words to describe the atmosphere of extraordinary elation that reigned in the sports palace after the end of the women's part of the competition. Probably because it has become a true celebration of youth, beauty, dexterity, courage, and daring - you can continue to add comparisons as much as you like and you won't be wrong!
The current women's championship is distinguished by the fact that they appeared before us as an echelon of athletes - next to them, representatives of the young wave came to the platform as venerable champions. This circumstance gave the competition additional interest. Of course, girls at the age of 15 go out to compete at the highest level and do so responsibly, honorably, and fearfully. And yet, in the actions of the debutantes, there was no timidity. Excitement, of course, did its job but, I repeat, there was no timidity. Moreover, in the mood of the young, one could feel the following: yes, we are now competing with you, the champions. We appreciate you and love you, but we want to beat you, and we are looking for how we can beat you.
Who are they, representatives of the new generation, who are they now talking about and arguing on the sidelines of the championship?
Lyuba Yefimova from Avangard in Krivoy Rog. She included in her floor routine a tucked double back somersault. We've seen this unique element before, from Galya Parshintseva, and probably it will cease to be unique soon. Sveta Grozdova from SKA in Rostov has already been rated. On the championship platform she established herself, and her balance beam routine was the absolute best. An excellent floor routine was shown by Galya Parshintseva (Burevestnik). Her performance did not leave either the audience or the specialists indifferent. Various handsprings, somersaults, and pirouettes in well-thought-out original combinations - such richness is within the power of any great master.
Along the way, I noted the unconditional success of Rostov gymnasts, which finally established itself as our reliable stronghold. We believe in the talent of Vladislav Rastorotsky, Ruslan Lavrov, and Vladlen Levshin, and congratulate them on their good luck.
It seems to me that it was not easy for our experienced gymnasts - small ones competed close by!
I was asked: does the new generation carry some kind of its own style? Of course, and I have great respect for today's gymnasts, who have made their programs incredibly difficult, and the coaches laid the grain accumulated by previous 'dynasties.'
Good luck! Don't drop the baton!