If we evaluated the Czechoslovak gymnasts only according to the results of the competition in Nymburk, we would get a distorted picture of their performance level and of their chances of success in Prague. The gymnasts' form hasn't reached the top level yet, but most of them presented themselves with new, very demanding elements as well as with the modern conception of world-level routines. Each of them was known to be well prepared in the top sports centers, and the work of their coaches has one goal: to get our gymnasts up to world class.
The girls lacked certainty in execution, and we we witnessed many setbacks, falls and collisions, especially on beam. The competition ended with a surprising but well-deserved victory by 10-year-old Martina Pexova from Litvinov, who immediately has become the greatest discovery in sports gymnastics. Of the 28 gymnasts invited, only 15 showed up; among the missing were Podludkova, Smolikova, Jitka Rabusicova, and others. Competition is itensifying and the young hopes of gymnastics are starting to successfully attack the positions of the experienced ones, and no one is ensured of wearing the national leotard so far. Only progressive teams have been successful in international competitions.
If from gymnastics sometimes emerges an extraordinary talent whose popularity is like lightning, let the gymnastics world know that in Litvinov under the coaching leadership of Sverma and Hlinkova, born a decade ago and possessed of extraordinary gymnastics disposition, is a girl whose name everyone should remember: Martina Pexova.
Many other gymnasts have made good progress. Under the leadership of coach Vorlickova, Holkovicova has improved significantly, especially on bars. Holkovicova, who performed a Korbut Loop, further amazed with a front salto on beam.
Cerna and Lickova performed double backs on floor. Bizdrova, Brydlova, and Slivova also attracted attention. Most gymnasts failed on the beam. Of the 15 competitors, only Bizdrova and Pexova performed confidently on this apparatus. The other 13 gymnasts had one or more falls. Even though this was only a test competition, falls on this apparatus by the gymnasts are still a warning.
Results:
1. Pexova 36.90
2. Holkovicova 36.15
3. Bizdrova 35.80
4. Brydlova 35.65
5. Ondrasova 35.55
6. Slivova 35.50
7. Cernohousova 35.45
8. Lickova 35.25
9. Cerna 35.10
10. Cebisova 34.90
The finals on Sunday brought together the best eight CSSR gymnasts on each discipline. Seventeen-year-old Holkovicova was the best and won vault and bars without any competition. On bars, she got the highest score of the entire competition - 9.70.
Vault: 1. Holkovicova 18.5; 2-3 Lickova and Bizdrova 18.35
Bars: 1. Holkovicova 19.2; 2. Brydlova 18.3; 3-5 Pexova, Ondrasova, Cernohousova 18.20
Beam: 1. Brydlova 18.6; 2. Pexova 18.5; 3. Bizdrova 18.4
Floor: 1. Lickova 19.0; 2. Bizdrova 18.7; 3. Crlova 18.65
At the end of the competition, the top sports committee of the gymnastics association decided that gymnasts Lickova, Brydlova and Ondrasova would compete at the international competitions in Moscow and Riga. Pohludkova, Smolikova, Holkovicova, Bizdrova, Cerna and Slivova would take part in the Cup of the Slovak National Uprising.
This page was created on February 17, 2020.
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