some people just make my blood boil

I’ve been on a Yelena Mukhina phase lately. Of course, as a huge fan of Soviet gymnasts, it’s only natural that I would admire her as well. She was a lovely gymnast, dancer, and person. She was also incredibly daring. Seriously, who would have the guts to throw a full twisting double back on a ’70s floor exercise mat? Her full twisting Korbut on the uneven bars (which is now banned) is also remarkably difficult! Not to mention the courage and bravery she showed after she got hurt so badly…

It pains me to think that things turned out so wrong.

We’ve all heard how the Soviets tried to hide her injury to the world. I knew that, but for some reason or another, I’d never come across the video below. This interview with Yuri Titov took place just several days before the 1980 Olympic Games.

Oh wow. Such bullshit! The girl was paralyzed – paralyzed! – and he made it sound like she was getting knee surgery or something. Way to beat around the bush. She’s not returning to the sport because she’s too old? Are you kidding? Lies lies lies! I guess the truth always comes out eventually.

Mukhina was the poor victim of an inhumane regime. I suppose the Soviet Sports Machine was exactly that – a machine. There was absolutely no regard for the gymnasts as people.

All I can say now is that I’m glad the Thomas Salto is banned (even Kurt Thomas himself agrees) and rest in peace, Yelena.