Alexandr Dityatin Gymnast Date of Birth: 07.08.1957 Country: Russia

1. Alexander Dityatin: The Powerful Gymnast
2. The Powerful Gymnast
3. Andrianov and Dityatin: A Tale of Leadership
4. The Unrivaled Gymnast
5. Life After Gymnastics

Alexander Dityatin: The Powerful Gymnast

Alexander Nikolaevich Dityatin was born on August 7, 1957, in Leningrad. He was a Soviet athlete and a distinguished master of sports in artistic gymnastics. Dityatin became the absolute champion of the Olympic Games in 1980 and an Olympic champion in individual events. He also won the Spartakiads of the Peoples of the USSR and graduated from the Lesgaft Institute of Physical Education in Leningrad. Dityatin received the Order of Honor in 1976, the Order of Lenin in 1980, and the Medal for the Protection of the State Borders of the USSR.

The Powerful Gymnast

One journalist who wrote about gymnastics once said of Dityatin, "His power is legendary." Despite the presence of Andrianov, Dityatin was considered the top contender for victory at the Olympic Games in Moscow. He was essentially given the role of leader. At the 1976 Olympics, the nineteen-year-old newcomer to the Soviet team competed on equal terms with the most renowned gymnasts in the world and finished fourth overall. During the offseason between the Olympic Games, Dityatin trained extensively and won two Spartakiads of the Peoples of the USSR.

Andrianov and Dityatin: A Tale of Leadership

Of course, it was not easy for Andrianov, with his experience and position in gymnastics, to feel confident alongside the triumphant youth of Dityatin. However, Andrianov's greatness lay in the fact that he found himself and defined himself in a new role, not giving up his usual championship aspirations. Despite losing to his younger competitor in terms of points and allowing him to take the lead in the all-around, Andrianov continued to be a leader for the team. Our gymnasts won convincingly, with the silver medalists from East Germany trailing behind us by 8.45 points!

The Unrivaled Gymnast

After the compulsory program, Andrianov conceded 0.1 points to Dityatin. After the team competition, he was behind by 0.25 points. Despite all his efforts, Dityatin couldn't catch up in the optional program. The final margin of victory was 0.425 points. Alexander Dityatin is the only gymnast in the world to have won medals in all evaluated exercises at a single Games. At the 1980 Moscow Olympics, he won 3 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze medal. With this achievement, he entered the Guinness World Records.

Life After Gymnastics

Dityatin worked as the head coach of the sports team at the OKPP Leningrad from 1980 to 1995. Since 1995, he has been a senior controller at the OKPP of Pulkovo Airport.