ELENA MUKHINA 1978 WORLD'S ALL-AROUND-ALL 4 ROUTINES! 

Many people don't realize what a game changer her floor routine was. She was the first to do a full in and end with a double back on a floor WITHOUT springs. She was also the first gymnast to use a double back dismount on beam. On top of being a powerful tumbler, she was a gorgeous dancer. Such a tragedy she broke her neck and lived the rest of life pretty much in isolation. RIP, Elena, your contributions to gymnastics will never be forgotten👼

Her routines have a touch of artistry unmatched with today's gymnasts. Not to diminish today's gymnasts skills, but Elena's movements are beautifully fluid and not just muscle. She was absolutely beautiful.

She was lovely. There was NO NEED to push her to do MORE! The world was robbed of the rest of her career...RIP angel

I hope you are somewhere in paradise with a happy smile on your beautiful face. I hope you are now running through fields of sun kissed flowers and free of your broken body. God love you Elena. We will always remember you 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

Amazing, amazing athlete. She was so incredibly graceful and fluid. But she always looked so sad...even when she was smiling, she looked sad. Such a shame what happened to her. RIP Elena.

She was undoubtedly one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, I find it so sad that no one has ever made a movie about her life , think about the sports stars who have had movies about their careers, IE Eddie Edwards and Steve Prefontaine and nobody has thought about her story ??, For me it's definitely the saddest story in sport , tells you that we all need someone there to look after us when things are hard , sadly Elena losing her parents so young she had nobody to protect her during that sad time in 1979-1980 when she was pushed to do things she wasn't ready for after her broken leg . Rest in Peace Elena Mukhina 🇷🇺

In my opinion this performance was the high watermark of artistic gymnastics. The perfect combination of artistry, athleticism, grace and skill. Apart from a slightly shaky vault it was a flawless performance and beautiful to watch also. Maybe it was of no consolation to Elena but at least she had a moment in the sun and what a majestic moment it was.

I too lost all my skills due to breaking my neck in 1996 and am in a wheelchair. 1980 was tragic for my family also. I know you Elena, I love you Elena. I shall see you Elena. I shall not forget you Elena.

When ballet meets gymnastics it's called Elena Mukhina. 🔟 🔟 🔟 🔟

I've been obsessed with Elena Mukhina for a long time now and she was, without a doubt, talented. It was a big shame that she severely injured and wasn't able to compete in the 1980 Olympics and show the rest of the world how hard she has worked all her life for that moment and give her country the gold medal they so greedily wanted (that costed her life) I love you Elena and rest in peace!

Her injury will never stop being heartbreaking to hear about. Never.

That floor exercise should have earned her a 10. When I think of the way 10s we’re just handed out a few years later I am a bit miffed that she was never awarded one. She landed the full in double perfectly, in addition to a double back to dismount. She muscled those tumbling passes, the floor and the vault weren’t springy like they are now. She interpreted her music beautifully, today’s gymnasts lack this. There’s such a drastic difference between the previous world champion, Ludmilla Tourischeva and Elena Mukhina. So much changed in those four years.

Elena was the perfect mix of artistry and power. Nobody now can touch her artistry. RIP, Elena. ❤️

That asymmetric bar routine will always be legendary. Best of the best..

26 seconds of brilliance on those bars, wow... First time I've seen her kind of smile, too.

She was wonderful!

So much grace!! REST IN PEACE BEAUTIFUL ELENA!

A beautiful girl with a tragic story. Rest in peace champion❤️

that replay of her floor choreography at the end is still some of the most beautiful gymnastics ever, in my opinion. that jump she does at the very end of her routine is simply gorgeous. One of the all time greats. It's so sad to think that this was only 2 years before her accident.

70’s gymnastics was superb and Elena was simply magnificent, such talent. She is missed

Best gymnast ever, she literally gave her life to her sport Sleep well princess, you will always soar

Ive just learned about her story, watching this now with tears. It could have been avoided, they rushed her from the hospital, forced her cast out, she wanted to heal, she knew she is not healed yet, it was too early!!

She deserved a perfect 10 for the bar routine. It was so difficult and she executed it to the perfection. Her story is so sad! ❤️

her bar routine is just... INSANE! It's amazing! Her story is so sad, she was so talented and would have done amazing things if not for her accident.

She was so graceful, faultless, a beautiful dancer and ballerina. One of the greatest gymnasts ever. So sad what happened to her. I hope she got some justice before she died.

She not only performs tricks on the beam but she dances on the beam!

Can’t watch this without being sad. She was ahead of her time. It would be years before some of the standards she set would be passed up. People were doing double tucks off beam for decades after this. That’s how hard it was. It was a perfectly acceptable dismount for generations. It still took years for full-ins on floor to become more common. Icon

I just love her and this era. In my opinion the most magical era of gymnastics was 72 up to early 2000s. More artistic and elegant

Лучшая гимнастка всех времён, даже сейчас через 42 года такое вряд ли кто повторит.

Fluid…Naturally talented!!! 🤸🏾‍♀️

Elena Mukhina, such unique qualities! Effortless effort, she makes it look easy. In slow motion we see how organic is her flow of movement. I am moved so much by her brilliance, by her grace. Rest in peace dear beautiful Elena you are a world champion but deserved so much more from this life. I will remember you forever.

She didn't reach the Olympics but she will ALWAYS remembered ❤️ too young to be gone in her upcoming career, she still a legend ❤️😔 imagine she did all those moves that's already banned today in gymnastics

Леночке Мухиной светлая память.

She is fantastic unbelievably magnificent excellent performance l am fascinated by her it is so pity she has ended so sadly she will never be forgotten.

Elena was Perfection! Uneven bars ,was amazing Why she didn't get a 10 ?

Elena was absolutely amazing! What a talent!

They were so much more artistic and elegant in the 70s.

She said she didn't believe she had got a gold medal. She was nerveous if they changed the result... her floor and beam routins are so smooth and fluent!! Rest in peace😢

What a jewel, so tragic, she is an angel

Best routines I have ever seen! So much talent, A legendary athlete!

The fluidity of her movements is astounding..... such a gorgeous gymnast who was used until they couldnt use her any longer. So heartbreaking. They didnt care about her, as she said, they only cared about the medals she could bring them.

I remember in an interview Elena mentioned one of her favorite gymnasts was Olga Korbut and I can see it the more I watch her. Not just because her bar routine but her overall grace and the way she carries herself on the floor. It’s beautiful. I noticed she even has the same floor music as Olga did during her Olympic routine. Watching them both perform gives me so much joy & goosebumps lol

It surprises me she is not in the hall of fame. She deserves to be.

Леночка--лучшая в мире! Ее петлю больше никто не повторил(с поворотом на 360 градусов).Гордость СССР! Жалко девочку,звездочку нашу,а какая сила духа! Царствие небесное🙏Спи спокойно!

She should have received a "10" on those bars, for her Bar-routine was Perfect. Well, I give her a "10" anyway, lol. And she gets a "10" on her dance routine. And, she gets a "10" on the Balance-Beam. (wow, she was very comfortable on there too) The girl is badd. No doubt!

how could she not get ten in uneven bar.....

Наша легенда. Честь и хвала нашей непревзайдённой звезде

ПАМЯТИ ЕЛЕНЫ МУХИНОЙ Сон тревожный рассеялся зыбко, Унося мой душевный покой: Снилась девушка с грустной улыбкой В гимнастическом синем трико… Боль застыла во взгляде усталом… Тонкий вскрик отразился от стен… Вновь и вновь ты летишь с пьедестала Сразу в гипса безжалостный плен! Покатилась слеза по веснушкам, Не сомкнёшь ты глаза до зари… Лишь со штампом казённым подушка Знает беды и страхи твои. Жизнь - не сказка: ни принцев отважных, Ни морали о зле и добре… Твой удел - быть не Золушкой даже - Чьей-то ставкой в медальной игре! Твой волшебник в тщеславном азарте, О грядущем триумфе трубя, Ставит всё на смертельное сальто, Что однажды сломает тебя... Страшной боли короткая вспышка… Камнем в горле застывший вопрос… Отвернулся взлетающий Мишка И надежды с собою унёс… И осталась квартира пустая... Голых веток угрюмая тень... И звезда, что упала, сгорая, В неподвижности стылую темь... Ты сумела смирить укоризну И принять этот жуткий излом, Всё в твоей искалеченной жизни Разделивший на "до" и "потом". И ушла по вечерней прохладе Воспарив над землёй высоко! Чемпионка с грустинкой во взгляде В гимнастическом синем трико…

She was the most graceful and fluid gymnast I’ve seen

Салем с Екибастуза и Шымкента - это Казахстан, кто не знает географию! Почти каждый день просматриваю выступления Елены Мухиной! Леночка для меня Самая Красивая, Самая Лучшая, Самая Гениальная, Самая Великая Гимнастка в Мире! И каждый раз плачу! Это же Наше Солнышко! Золото! Царство Тебе Небесное! Как Тебя не хватает нам , Бриллиантовая Наша! Казахи Любят и Помнят Тебя! Ты Всегда С Нами! Ты Супер! Ты Лучше Всех в Мире!

What grace in her floor routine. That is so missed in today's artistic gymnastics

Когда она ковала свою славу я еще даже не родился, но тем не менее знаю и вспоминаю эту великую гимнастку с очень трудной судьбой, но сильнейшим характером, такая очаровательная девчушка, она заслуживала иной жизни, чертов профессиональный спорт!

This is when gymnastics was about beautiful artistry! I love the athletes of today, but artistry is definitely lacking!😘💜💜💜

Wow, she was amazing on the uneven bars!

There was no one like Elena Muhkina, and never will be. She was incredible and extraordinary. Beautiful artist. Such skill and grace. She is truly unmatched. Just breaks me that she suffered so much.

ЕЛЕНА ВЯЧЕСЛАВОВНА МОЯ САМАЯ ЛЮБИМАЯ ГИМНАСТКА❤ ЛУЧШЕ ЕЛЕНЫ В ГИМНАСТИКЕ НЕТ И НЕ БУДЕТ ❤..СОЛНЫШКО МОЁ ❤ САЛЕМ С АСТАНЫ 🇰🇿 КАЗАХСТАН 🇰🇿

Did she really just do a Full twisting double back on a floor with no springs? WOW!!!

One of the amazing gymnasts who fueled my teenage love of gymnastics. Olga, Elena and Nadia were my idols so I was devastated when I finally learned the shameful truth about what really happened to Elena. I hope gymnasts are better cared for now. Rest in peace

She was absolutely perfect. May she RIP

Маленькая девочка. Такая хрупкая, и такой стойкий человечек. Незабываемая спортсменка. Воспитывала бабушка. Тренер был через чур строг. А когда случилось несчастье, уехал за границу. Лена на тренировке сломала шею и ей вовремя не оказали помощь. Спортсменка стала инвалидом. Умерла молодой. Жалко до слез. Светлая ей память. Неповторимая.

Qué gran gimnasta fué Elena Mukhina y qué enorme tristeza me da el saber de su tragedia..que haya terminado así..Te recordaremos con cariño y admiración Elenita . Descanza en paz.

Мы помним тебя Лена. Помним!

Her wold turn was actually elegant. What a gem.

So elegant! Truly a great champion!

Елена Мухина великая гимнастка чемпионка мира 1978 года в многоборье петля Мухиной на брусьях очень сложный элемент двойное сальто с поворотом на 360 градусов впервые исполнила Елена Мухина помним любим скорбим владислав Хван город Караганда

Rest in peace, beautiful Elena Mukhina. I love you so so much and you inspire me (and so many others) to keep going. We will never forget you and I hope that you are in a happy, peaceful place now - you deserve so much more than what you received in life. I love you, sweetie

Elena Mukhina was fantastic! Deserved a better fate.

Be in heaven lovely Yelena...be happy for ever..🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️

Леночка - прекрасная гимастка с чистой и светлой душой. Любим и помним. Царствие небесное Елене.

Не уберегли тебя солнышко😢..покойся с миром🌟

Что то кто нибудь хоть когда то сможет повторить? Величайшая Елена Мухина!! Умничка! И герой ссср.

She would have been 61 today. Happy Birthday, Elena.

Елена Мухина невероятная спортсменка. Такая великая и светлая! Царствие небесное великой гимнастке!!!

Лена... ну и судьба выпала этой девочке... Жизнь разделилась на "до" и "после"... Всех, кто родился в СССР, история Лены не оставит равнодушными. Хочется, чтоб был снят фильм об этой сильной спортсменке.

She was fantastic

Необыкновенно грациозная гимнастка! Вечная память!

Rest in peace beautiful Lena you were and still are one of the best gymnasts the world has ever seen and you're sorely missed. I hope now your free and able again and are somersaulting over the clouds and flipping down the rainbows with the gentile grace you showed in life. This was a tragedy that should never of happened at all and I do think had she not broken her leg and then been made to train whilst very much recovering still as well as doing a move that really only men can get the sheer height to be able to complete it she would of come first in most if not all the events she took part in. These girls truly were gymnasts of a different class to todays who have every advantage with the new rules and user friendly equipment! Today they have lost the art of movement they are muscular so don;t have the smooth flow of a ballerina that girls of this era had and that is quite sad really.

Леночка ты была лучшая

I do not know how much the translation will be correct. "In 1975, during the Games of the peoples of the USSR, which took place at the gymnasts in Leningrad, Mukhina landed badly on her head in a foam pit. When X-rays were taken, it turned out that during the fall there was a separation of the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae. Lena was taken to the hospital, but every day after the medical round, the trainer came and took her to the gym, where, taking off the orthopedic collar from her neck, Mukhina trained until the evening.A few days later, for the first time, she felt that her legs began to go numb while training and there appeared a feeling of some strange weakness that no longer passed. In 1977, when Mukhina trained at home before the World Cup, she struck sideways on the lower pole of the boards so that she split. “I felt like I broke my ribs,” Lena later said. “But then, after sitting for ten minutes on the mats, in a semi-conscious state, I also worked freely and the beam. "You are always looking for a reason to do nothing."In 1978, two weeks before the All-Union youth games, Mukhin on the uneven bars knocked out his thumb so that he completely left the joint. Correct it himself - clenching his teeth and closing his eyes. But the injuries did not end there: during the warm-up before the competition, she did not calculate the run-up (the floor was washed in the hall and the marks made with chalk were destroyed), fell on landing from a jump and hit her head. The choreographer, secretly, in order not to attract the attention of the trainers, wore salah with her, and Mukhina, getting off the next round, clamped the wadding in her palms.Without a warm-up, from the sheet, she worked everything - and won. She won the world championship. First - in the team, and after a day she became an absolute champion, beating Nadia Comenech, an absolute champion of Games-76, among others.This insane tension could not pass without a trace. When Mukhina and I met periodically in the hall, she looked inhibited, often crying. She once said that she didn’t manage to completely cross the avenue in front of the CSKA sports complex while the green light was on - she lacked strength. At the same time, its free program on almost all shells continued to remain the most complex in the world. In the fall of 1979, Mukhina broke her leg at a demonstration in England. A month and a half passed in a cast, but when it was removed, it turned out that the broken bones had dispersed. They were put in place, they put the plaster back on again, and the next day (the coach insisted on it) Mukhina was already in the gym - she worked on shells, landing on the tipples on one leg. Two months after the cast was removed, she had already made all her combinations.On the last gathering in Minsk, Mukhina arrived with ankles, knees and sores from overload, and besides, she developed inflammation of the articular bag of the hand. According to one of the coaches, she broke up because she just missed her run, the injured foot.When she told me about it in that nine-year-old conversation, I asked in horror why she hadn't quit gymnastics before? “I don’t know,” was the answer. “I saw my fall in a dream several times. I saw how they carried me out of the hall. I understood that sooner or later this would really happen. I felt like an animal being driven by a whip along an endless corridor. But again and came to the hall again. Probably, this is fate. And they do not take offense at fate. " ТРАГЕДИЯ ДЛИНОЙ В 26 ЛЕТ Елена ВАЙЦЕХОВСКАЯ

RIP Elena... you will never be forgotten.

Her greatest love (gymnastics), became her biggest enemy. So sad that what happened to her because they were so fixed on the medallions and being the best. Rest In Peace❤️ and idk how but know you have a legacy in the gymnastics world🌹

She performed all those impressive and difficult moves like a total master, it was a piece of cake for here, she didn't need anything strange to impress, God, perhaps if her leg will have a proper time to heal, rest and then train again without any rush, I'm totally sure she could have performed the salto thomson, God how much I admire her, she deserved a much better life.

Легенда советского спорта...🌷🌷🌷🌷

Земля ей пухом. Она невероятна!

Лена Мухина...сверстница моя😓ей жить да жить😪😪😪не устаю ею восхищаться❤️

She was something else, boy!

This is so sad to see :( she was the best. She will never be forgotten

Amazing. So sad what happened to her. She could have been a legend if they just hadn’t pushed her too far.

Poor child... may she rest in paradise, free of all the pain life has given her❤️

How to ruin such a beautiful and amazing gymnastic. Such a pity. She was simply beautiful.

Gone but never forgotten. Gymnastics biggest triumph and tragedy, she deserved so much more from life. Fly high Elena, fly high!

Великая, девочка... И такая несчастная💋💋💋

Спортсмени СССР не забудемо Львів!

Times, when gymnasts had beautiful feminine bodies, and programs were difficult and graceful in the same time! Beautiful, talented Elena, RIP! I am so sorry it happens to you... One of the best gymnasts of all times!💖

I can’t help but watch these over and over again, she’s so good

Above all, I was impressed by the fact that she did not blame anyone and even tried to joke, saying that her dream came true for rest, lying in bed .... A courageous and bright girl !!!

I loved Mukhina's performances. So graceful, so beautiful and so daring. Fucking soviet officials forcing her to continue with that broken leg.

I cant get over how amazing this girl was. She perfomed her routines perfectly. Such grace, such flow, such talent. Ive watched so many other gymnasts, but she stands out to me as something rare and spectacular. You just dont see beautiful routines like this anywhere else. If she went to the Olympics imagine how amazing she would have been. ❤

Little angel..nobody was there to protect you..that's sad..I'm sure now you have the peace you were asking for..God bless you😥😥

Lo máximo Elena Mukhina, la mejor de todas