Born: 1921 (Kovrigino)
Died: 2001
Biography:
Maria Kondratyevna Gorokhovskaya (Russian: , Ukrainian: ; 17 October 1921 – 7 July 2001) was a Soviet gymnast of Jewish descent. She made history at the 1952 Summer Olympics by becoming the first woman to win seven medals at a single Olympics. Her remarkable achievement remains unmatched to this day, shared only with Australian swimmer Emma McKeon, who achieved the same feat at the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics held in 2021.
Born on October 17, 1921, in Kovrigino, Gorokhovskaya displayed an early talent for gymnastics. She began training in the sport at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of Soviet gymnastics. In 1948, representing her club Budivelnyk Kharkiv, Gorokhovskaya won her first USSR title on the balance beam. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable gymnastics career.
The year 1952 marked a significant milestone for both Gorokhovskaya and Soviet gymnastics. It was the first time the Soviet Union participated in the Olympics, and the gymnastics team made an unforgettable debut. Gorokhovskaya, as one of the leading members of the team, showcased her exceptional skills in all four individual apparatus events: the balance beam, floor exercise, vault, and uneven bars, finishing second in each.
However, it was in the all-around competition where Gorokhovskaya truly shined. With her flawless performances and unmatched artistry, she won the gold medal, finishing ahead of her teammate Nina Bocharova by eight tenths of a point. Her victory in the all-around competition solidified her position as one of the greatest gymnasts of her time and a trailblazer for women in the sport.
Gorokhovskaya’s success continued in the team events, where she contributed significantly to the Soviet team’s dominance. With seven of the eight Soviet gymnasts finishing in the top ten, it was clear that the team gold medal would rightfully belong to them. Gorokhovskaya won her seventh medal in the team exercise with portable apparatus, where the Soviet team finished second behind Sweden. Her outstanding performance not only made her a national hero but also established her as a pioneer in the field of gymnastics.
Following her historic Olympics triumph, Gorokhovskaya made one final international appearance as a part of the winning Soviet team at the 1954 World Championships. Shortly after, she retired from competitive gymnastics and transitioned to a new role as a judge and lecturer in the sport. Her expertise and experience made her a valuable asset to the gymnastics community.
In 1990, Gorokhovskaya, who was Jewish, made the decision to emigrate to Israel. There, she continued to contribute to gymnastics by working as a coach until her passing in 2001. Her dedication to the sport and her trailblazing achievements left an indelible mark on gymnastics history.
Maria Gorokhovskaya’s exceptional talent, determination, and groundbreaking achievements have solidified her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Her success not only paved the way for future generations of gymnasts but also highlighted the potential and capabilities of women in sports. Through her incredible accomplishments, Gorokhovskaya inspired countless individuals and significantly contributed to the advancement of women’s history in athletics.
Awards:
– Gold Medal – 1952 Summer Olympics: All-Around Competition
– Silver Medal – 1952 Summer Olympics: Balance Beam
– Silver Medal – 1952 Summer Olympics: Floor Exercise
– Silver Medal – 1952 Summer Olympics: Vault
– Silver Medal – 1952 Summer Olympics: Uneven Bars
– Silver Medal – 1952 Summer Olympics: Team Exercise with Portable Apparatus
– Silver Medal – 1952 Summer Olympics: Team Competition