Sovetsky Sport. April 6, 1975. Such, perhaps, is the fate of John Crosby. Every time he comes to the Soviet Union, he is sure to be asked how he feels.
"It's my own fault for being asked this," says the 23-year-old gymnast from New Haven, Connecticut. "It was necessary for me, having arrived in 1973 at the Moscow Universiade, to end up on the hospital with appendicitis! I lay in the ward when there was a fight for medals on the platform, and it wasn't pleasant. But I didn't lose my good mood. My friends helped me in this, and among them there are many Soviet athletes. They visited me constantly in the hospital."
And how do you feel now?
Fabulous. I am in great shape and (but this is a secret) I dream of repeating my last year's success. Then, at the previous competitions for the prizes of the Moscow News newspaper, I managed to win floor exercises. I dream of winning, but...very strong gymnasts have gathered here. During training, the gymnasts of your country made a particularly great impression on me. How many young gymnasts! I believe that the success of your gymnastics lies in that long bench. I hope that the same talented athletes will someday appear in the United States.
What place does the current competition take in your preparation for the Montreal Olympics?
I brought a completely new program to Moscow, so those who come to the competition will be present at the premiere. The Moscow News tournament is one of the most important stages of my preparation for Montreal. I always come to your country with pleasure, because I know that here, in joint training and performances with Soviet athletes, I can learn a lot for myself.
How do you assess the visit of Soviet athletes to the United States?
The performances of your gymnasts in America have been of great benefit. Your athletes have helped Americans get to know gymnastics. As a result, young people came to gymnastics clubs, especially girls, fascinated by the skill of Soviet athletes.
Would you like to come to Moscow next year for the third traditional competition?
I will definitely come! I like Moscow, I like competitions. And then - I have a bunch of friends here!