I’m what you call a contagious crier- if I see someone getting emotional, I join right in. I also do not fare well at sappy movies, television finales, and sad puppy commercials. I wouldn’t say I’m over-emotional…..I’m emotional enough. Okay, I’m emotional enough for all of us.
Anyways, gymnastics has provided many moments where my eyes well up with tears, or I cry out in joy, or sob in anguish. Particularly if I see a gymnast, team, or coach get emotional- forget it. I tend to root for everyone, so I am happy to emotionally invest myself in the competition.
While gymnastics does not have the famed ‘kiss-and-cry’ area of figure skating (genius idea, by the way), we have seen gymnasts express themselves after intense competitions, routines, wins, and losses. Below is my list of my favorite emotional moments, but I first want to address some criticism that comes with crying and showing emotion in competition: while it is easy to dismiss a gymnast as being too emotional, a cry-baby, and unable to handle herself, the reality is people emote in different ways. I often see comments such as, ‘Well, I would never cry….” but these comments rarely come from gymnasts who trained their whole lives for the Olympics. Now, that being said, I do not think it is necessary or appropriate to carry on, sometimes a person’s heart is out of their leotard sleeve. Just as gymnasts can been deemed too stoic, sometimes the emotions distract us from their performance and accomplishment. So this list is not to belabor the outpouring of emotions, but instead to celebrate and stand in solidarity with those whose careers we have invested our love and interest. [So, I’ll save you the suspense- no Viktoria Komova. Enough has been said there.]
So here is the list- get ready for the feels!
Ekaterina Szabo and Mary Lou Retton at the 1984 Olympics AA
Leading the all-around after the team competition (when team compulsory and optional scores affected individual standings), Ekaterina was determined to bring the gold back home to Romania. Unfortunately, even a near perfect competition could not hold off the emotional favorite Mary Lou Retton. Ekaterina had a mistake on bars in the team optionals, resulting a low 9.300. So when she finished her competition on bars, she knew she had to redeem herself- and she did, throwing a risky twist and double tuck dismount for a 9.900. But, as we all know, Mary Lou rose to the occasion, leaving the proud Szabo to only shake her head and silently grieve the title she missed out on by .050 points while the cheers for Mary Lou rang in her ears.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h42hWNG8yRE
Lilia Podkopayeva at the 1995 Worlds AA
In a quad full of superstars, Lilia worked diligently to make a name for herself. While she had some medals and successes to her name, it was her all-around performance at the 1995 Worlds that brought her game up. In a super close competition, a wobble or step made all the difference. Some fell off (Mo Huilan, Shannon Miller, Gina Gogean) while others were a breath away from the title (Svetlana Khorkina, Lavinia Milosovici, Simona Amanar). Lilia finally put it all together on her signature vault (with In the Hall of the Mountain King playing dramatically in the background- thank you, Kerri Strug), and capitulated herself to European and Olympic glory in 1996.
With fantastic commentary, starting at 04:08. Then watch Part 6 to see Khorkina and Milosovici’s own expression of emotion after earning silver (joy for Khorkina) and bronze (so close yet so far for Milosovici).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1vajaGO–Q
Svetlana Khorkina at the 1997 Worlds AA
After falling on her own skill in Atlanta, Svetlana wanted to prove she was indeed an all-around threat. After scoring well on her first three events (but with no score exceeding 9.675), she needed a 9.801 (in a new code) to surpass Simona Amanar. With her signature swing, Svetlana thrilled the crowds and broke down after the 9.850 score was flashed. The hug with Boris is especially endearing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LN6SBAr_qTg
Vanessa Atler at the 1998 US Nationals AA
A fan and media favorite, Vanessa was super powerful, candid, strong …… and flaky on bars. This made for some tremendous drama, but was awfully hard to watch such a fabulous gymnast crumble year after year on an event. At the Nationals in 1997, Vanessa had the title wrapped up, but fell on bars, her last event, into a tie with Kristy Powell for the title. Continued struggles on the bars (at American Cup and International Team Competitions) set the stage for the 1998 Nationals. The first performance was heart-breaking, day two was a triumph and the Nessa we all longed to see.
Day One (with classic fluff)-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr_g_R3n90A
Day Two (she catches the Comaneci!)-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZFppts9G0c
Romanian Team at the 2004 Olympics TF
After losing the world team title to the Americans in 2003 (breaking their streak since 1994), the Romanians showed up to Athens fit and prepared with routines designed to win. A near flawless team preliminaries and finals gave them their second consecutive Olympic title. Plenty of reason for a joyous celebration and a tear-filled medal ceremony.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtN5ILt48k4
Nastia Liukin at the 2008 Olympics AA
A calm, cool, and collected competitor for years, Nastia had the junior and senior career that most only dream of. After loads of world medals, Nastia’s dream appeared derailed after an injury plagued 2007 (and the senior debut of another superstar, Shawn Johnson). But Nastia stuck to the plan and came to Beijing with her eyes set on gold. The realization of this moment clearly overwhelmed her, showing the depth of the hard work and dedication that looked like it came so easily. Her unabashed joy and humility warmed the hearts of gym fans everywhere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmC455tvvGc
Sandra Izbasa at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics EF
Never count out the Romanians, right? Amidst the hype of the more favored gymnasts in the event finals, Sandra took advantage of her position as last competitor up to wow the field with clean and difficult sets. She’s surprised and excited in Beijing, but absolutely overcome with joy in London.
2008 Floor-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCD_t5Jz5R8
2012 Vault-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vfQfeQ5lMI
(with more tears from Janine Berger, in 4th)
Kyla Ross at the 2012 Olympics TF
Okay, so this one may seem random. But I was really struck when Kyla dismounted from beam, her last event in the team final, and finally seemed to recognize what she was a part of after a meaningful hug from her coach. When the Olympic team was announced, her four teammates were ugly crying while Kyla waved happily. A seemingly serene and even-keeled competitor, Kyla was strong and steady in her senior debut. Her last routine and hug with her coach revealed the heart behind the performance. (And of course, all the emotions at the end of the team competition was quite heart-wrenching, too).
I can’t find just that performance, so go to 10:40-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7veBuacvFKw
***
Special shout out-
Dominique Dawes at the 1993 Worlds, 1994 Worlds, and 1996 Olympics AA.
She was awesome, but she was a heart-breaker. The backdrop: plagued with injuries and family problems, Dominique thrilled everyone with great performances in 1992, securing her spot on the Olympic team. Her performances and display of emotion brought tears to the cheeks and fans to their feet. At each of the major championships following the Olympics (save 1995, when she was out with injury), Dominique was set to win. First, in 1993, she surprised many by qualifying to the AA finals over teammate Kerri Strug. Falling short on her very last vault put her in 4th (shocking! oh, the tears). The next year, and even stronger, Dominique competed in an earlier session, but was dominating and setting up a strong score for the final session to chase. Once again finishing on vault, she overcompensated from last year’s error and over-rotated, finishing 5th overall (so frustrating! Can’t stop crying!) In Atlanta, Dominique was fire with the Magnificent Seven (sobbing), and she looked to be on target for an individual gold in the all-around. An odd sit-down and step-out on floor led to a major drop in the standings and tears on the floor (heaving). Most fortunately, Dominique also provided many glorious moments, such as her 10.000 floor routines, sweep of the gold medals at the 1994 US Nationals, comeback in 2000, and her individual Olympic medal on floor. I could cry just thinking about it…..But to quote coach Kelli Hill, “Be happy! Come on!”
The brutal 1993 vault made better by lovely commentators-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGwfZn6zN3Y
And to end on a happier note- making her first Olympic team-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqOIK6ijrrA
Don’t worry, I didn’t forget your favorite, I just ran out of room! So now it’s your turn! Post your favorite moments of emotion in gymnastics.
Article by: Kristen Ras
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