Ludmilla Tourischeva
Ludmilla Tourischeva is one of Russia's most celebrated gymnasts. In the early 1970s, she dominated most major international competitions, and was considered to embody the classic Soviet Union style combining grace, elegance, form and strong technique. At the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, Ludmilla won the all-around gold medal, a team gold medal, as well as a silver (floor) and bronze (vault). At the 1975 World Cup, Ludmilla swept all events, winning the all-around and gold in all four individual events. Upon her dismount from the bars, a support cable snapped and the bars collapsed, but she wsa fortunately not injured as she kept her cool and even saluted the judges. Years later she said that she had remembered only one thing - she must complete her routine and "stick it". Ludmilla was also known for her graciousness. At the 1976 Olympics, she walked around the podium to personally congratulate champion Nadia Comaneci and shake her hand before accepting her own medal. Above is her 1972 floor routine from the 1972 Olympics in the all-around, which earned her the gold medal (all-around).
