Up to 1979, KIM Nelli Vladimirovna had become a perpetual bridesmaid of sorts in the all-around--finishing 2nd to Nadia Comaneci and Yelena Mukhina at the previous Olympics and Worlds, respectively.
With the former working her way back into shape and the latter sidelined with a leg injury, it was Nelli's title to lose. And she rose to the occasion, finishing ahead of GDR future great Maxi Gnauck (in her Senior World debut) by 0.275.
I must add that our Tatar Korean Queen looked especially beautiful. Whilst rocking bangs 😍. I also was surprised to see the originality she did on bars, perhaps the highlight of her meet. FOR ME.
It's actually extremely interesting how the entire Soviet team showed watered down routines for these Worlds. Our World AA Champion did a pike open for her middle pass and dismounted with a full twist 😬. (Although considering how her upgraded double tuck went in Moscow, perhaps this was the correct choice 😂.)
I'm not sure if they were injured or what, but it wasn't the world-class trendsetting gymnastics the Soviets were known for. This probably played a part in them losing the World Title for the first time since 1966. Romania pulled off their first ever World Team Title, one of two they won prior to the dissolution of the glorious Soviet Union.
26 авг 2024
