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Polina AstahovaSoviet athlete (gymnastics), Honored Master of Sports of the USSR
Date of Birth: 30.10.1936
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Biography of Polina Astakhova
- Olympic Success
- World Championships and European Championships
- Domestic Achievements
- Recognition and Character
- Early Career
- Source: "Kievskie Vedomosti"
Biography of Polina Astakhova
Polina Grigorievna Astakhova was born on October 30, 1936, in Zaporizhia, Ukrainian SSR. She was a Soviet athlete in the sport of gymnastics and was awarded the title of Honored Master of Sports of the USSR. Polina Astakhova had an impressive list of achievements throughout her career.
Olympic Success
Astakhova was a three-time Olympic champion, winning gold medals in the team competition in 1956, 1960, and 1964. She also won gold medals in the parallel bars in 1960 and 1964. In addition, she won a silver medal in the floor exercise in 1960 and 1964, and a bronze medal in the all-around competition in 1960 and 1964. In the 1956 Olympics, she also won a bronze medal in the group floor exercise.
World Championships and European Championships
Astakhova achieved success in both the World Championships and European Championships. She won gold medals in the team competition in 1956 and 1962, and a silver medal in 1966. She also won a silver medal in the parallel bars in 1958. In the European Championships, she won gold medals in the floor exercise in 1959 and 1961, parallel bars in 1959 and 1961, and balance beam in 1961. She also won a silver medal in the all-around competition in 1961.
Domestic Achievements
In the Soviet Union, Astakhova was a dominant force in gymnastics. She was the absolute champion in 1959 and won the USSR Cup in the all-around in 1959, 1960, 1963, and 1965. She won multiple gold medals in various apparatuses, including parallel bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. She also won silver and bronze medals in different events.
Recognition and Character
Astakhova was honored with the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, the Order of Honor, and the Medal for Labor Valor. She was known for her unique charm and selfless dedication to the sport of gymnastics. Despite not considering herself the most successful athlete, her list of achievements and the respect she earned in the gymnastics community speaks for itself.
Early Career
Astakhova's journey in gymnastics began by chance. Due to her family's frequent moves, she arrived late for the start of the school year. In order to make good use of her time, she applied to a sports college offering a gymnastics program. On the day she entered the college, a gymnastics championship was being held, and that's how she met her first and only coach, Vladimir Alexandrovich Smirnov.
Polina Astakhova's career was marked by her determination, demanding nature, and love for the sport. Her achievements in gymnastics have made her an integral part of the history of Soviet gymnastics, and her charm and contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.
