1974 Worlds - Soviet Union Team Finals Vault #gymnasticsshorts

The 1974 Worlds in Varna 🇧🇬 were not without controversy, beginning with the location. Bulgaria was not able to guarantee the athletes would be awarded visas—particularly with the South African gymnasts, as there was not a diplomatic relationship between the two countries at the time. Just months before, they were moved to Munich—but that decision was overruled by a 26-24 vote at an FIG meeting in July.
The Soviets dominated in a manner I have not seen in any meet I've researched. The team finished ahead of East Germany by over seven and a half points. They occupied four of the top five spots in the AA (as this was the last major international competition prior to the introduction of per-country limits), and their athletes swept the podiums on both beam and floor. (On floor, there was a tie for bronze between Elvira Saadi and Rusudan Sikharulidze—so that must have been quite a sight to see four Soviet flags during the medal ceremony 😂.)
The vault rotation was fairly impressive for the most part, with decent landings from most of the team. (Unfortunately, Elvira Saadi was not shown.) A few days later, Olga Korbut would show an upgraded full twist on, full twist off to win the vault title.
Also, this competition marked the World debut of Nellie Kim, and she competed a new vault that she would retroactively name for herself 32 years later. The only problem is she didn't seem to land it. Technically, she did eventually successfully do the vault at the 1976 Olympics, yet the Code lists 1974 Worlds for the meet at which it was introduced. Oh Nellie. I wish I could quit you.

Видео 1974 Worlds - Soviet Union Team Finals Vault #gymnasticsshorts канала thesovgc