Moskovsky Komsomolets. October 3, 1972."For me, gymnastics is a part of life - perhaps the most cherished part." These lines are taken from the book by Merited Master of Sports Mikhail Voronin, chapters of which were published last year in the pages of the magazine Physical Culture and Sport.
Fourteen years ago, he first crossed the threshold of a gymnasium, and since then his entire life has been inextricably linked with gymnastics.
Fourteen years represent countless hours of grueling labor, innumerable competitions, injuries, the joys of victory, and - at times - disappointments.
I met with M. Voronin shortly after his return from Munich. This meeting had been arranged long before Mikhail's departure for the Olympics - though, when making those arrangements, I - like, presumably, many others - did not yet know that the 20th Olympic Games would mark the final competition of his athletic career.
Upon his return, Voronin decided to step away from the gymnastics floor. And so, quite naturally, our conversation began with a question regarding the reasons for his departure. Mikhail did not answer immediately. He remained silent for several minutes, as if carefully choosing his words, and then he spoke:
Sooner or later, every athlete - whether a celebrity or not - faces the question: "When is the right time to retire?" Sometimes this is a matter of age; at other times, it stems from different reasons. But eventually, this dilemma inevitably arises. And believe me, resolving it is no easy task - far from it. For simply walking away, just like that, from something to which you have dedicated a portion of your life - a part of yourself - is incredibly difficult.
I have several of these reasons. But I would like to highlight two in particular.
The first is the injuries that have constantly plagued me in recent years. Perhaps there is some explanation for their occurence, but the fact remains: I have long since forgotten what it feels like to step onto the platform without thinking about pain.
Well, the second reason is fatigue. It must be said that this is inextricably linked to the first. After all, competing while injured demands an extraordinary exertion of strength - a total commitment. Hence the rapid onset of fatigue. Sometimes, after yet another competition performed 'at the absolute limit,' it felt as though no force on earth could ever compel me to touch the apparatus again. But gradually, that state would pass, and I would 'switch back on.' As the years go by, however, doing this becomes increasingly difficult.
Furthermore, I competed for the national team for ten years - for the majority of that time, in the role of a leader. You must agree that this was no easy feat and it, too, falls under what was mentioned above. Frankly speaking, I had wanted to retire a bit sooner, but I simply had no right to pass up the opportunity to compete in an event like the Olympic Games.
Q: How do you assess the results of your performance, as well as that of our men's gymnastics team, in Munich?
A: Although many consider our national team's performance to have been less than successful, I nonetheless hold a different opinion.
In sports, there is always someone stronger and someone weaker, and one must be able to acknowledge this. As of today, the Japanese gymnasts are the stronger side, and their victory is well deserved. I believe that our guys did everything humanly possible. Every single one of those who competed in Munich fought to the very end and gave it their all. If you recall, prior to the Olympics, the Japanese declared that they would take home all the top honors. However, they were mistaken, and two of those honors went to our guys.
As for my own performance, it could certainly have gone better. However, during one of my final training sessions before leaving for Munich, I compounded my chronic shoulder injury with a leg injury as well. Competing in the floor exercise was particularly difficult, but I knew the team needed me to do it. I went through the routine in a haze, and when I finished and glanced at the scoreboard, I was actually surprised myself: 9.45. I had expected it to be worse.
In the rings final, the Japanese gymnast Nakayama and I received identical scores; however, his score in the compulsory program was slightly higher, and the gold medal went to him.
Let no one think that I am simply attributing everything to the fact that I was unwell. That is not the case at all. I simply believe that, under different circumstances, my performance could have been more successful.
Q: Could you share your personal impressions of the Japanese national team's performance?
A: Today, this is the strongest team in the world. And yet, even they have their weak points - primarily the vault. The Japanese performed poorly on the vault which, of course, came as a surprise. In my view, their routines on the rings appeared somewhat monotonous. However, their work on the high bar was simply fantastic! Furthermore, they are all distinguished by their impeccable technical foundation and the sheer precision of their execution.
Q: In your opinion, what is the reason behind the success of Japanese men's gymnastics?
A: In 1966, during a trip to Japan, I became convinced that gymnastics is truly a national sport in this country. It's practiced everywhere: in schools, colleges, and universities. And not just haphazardly, but seriously and truly. Add to this a tremendous work ethic and a constant focus on everything new, and perhaps my story will at least partially answer your question.
Q: In your view, what is the diference between Olympic gymnastics in Munich and in Mexico City?
A: The most important factor lay in the precision of execution. Almost all the complex elements demonstrated by the gymnasts in Munich had already appeared in their routines at the Mexico City Olympics; however, back then, they looked - if one may put it this way - somewhat 'raw.' In Munich, by contrast, these elements sparkled with the sheer purity of their execution.
Furthermore, I would also like to note the significantly elevated standard of European men's gymnastics. The GDR team delivered a very strong and consistent performance, having shown a marked improvement in skill. The gold medal won by their gymnast, Koste, in the vault serves as clear proof of this. The hosts of the Games - the gymnasts from West Germany - also looked quite impressive. There were interesting athletes in other national teams as well. For instance, I was particularly struck by the work on the pommel horse performed by the talented Hungarian gymnast Molnar.
Q: You competed as a member of the national team for ten years. What can you way about those who now face the task of defending its honor?
A: The current leader of our national team, Kolya Andrianov from Vladimir, is a highly talented gymnast. I believe he is capable of tackling the most ambitious challenges.
Viktor Klimenko, the Muscovite, has not yet had his final say. Not everyone manages to return to the national team - and win Olympic gold - just a year and a half after undergoing surgery. V. Shchukin from Minsk and E. Mikaelyan from Yerevan are undoubtedly talented young men, but as of today they still lack experience in major competitions.
As for the other talented gymnasts, it is now entirely up to their diligence - without which the further refinement of their skills is impossible. If they grasp this, our national team will be bolstered by a host of new names.
Q: And finally, one last question: does your departure from the podium mark a parting with gymnastics?
A: Absolutely not. I am currently finishing my studies at the Institute of Physical Education and will return to gymnastics - this time as a coach.
Mikhail and Zinaida Voronin have retired from competition. Their athletic careers have been marked by numerous awards. However, as they themselves say, the most cherished among them are their Olympic medals - of which they have 13 in their collection (9 for Mikhail and 4 four Zinaida). Yet they believe that this tally will continue to grow, for a little Dimka is now growing up in the Voronin family.
L. ALEKSANDROV