Elena Mukhina: Profiles in Olympic Courage

[@kunodleM]

You can tell she’s sad, even when she smiles. Poor girl was failed by her nation. Rest peacefully, Elena.

[@nataliee5501]

I am so happy Elena is recognised for her outstanding talent. Timeless gold. RIP.

[@noellemanna8247]

Elena was the epitome of strength, grace and humbleness ❤️ God bless her soul.

[@KKislitsyna]

She died from complications in 2006. In her last interview she said that she forgave her coach and the system for leaving her crippled. She is such an inspiration

[@hayayasser3249]

Link for her last interview pls

[@gildaquiquivix7277]

She is beautiful

[@xx-bg2dj]

Complications = pillow over the face

[@Amped4Life]

She is gorgeous and a heroine.

[@alejandragarza2670]

@Not Robot me too

[@fizzao1342]

I remember poor Elena just disappearing. She was betrayed by all those who should have protected her. The real tragedy was that she knew what was going to happen to her. R.I.P, Elena.

[@jelena8960]

Exactly! You could see in the documentary about her that she was not feeling well mentally, she did not look depressed nor particularly dramatically sad, she just looked very....melancholic, mopish, doleful...I do not know how to describe it I just think it was not typical depression or sadness, it was much more simple but much deeper..Maybe I am wrong, but from her replies to her coach, her smiles, her eyes, her frustrated looks, I really got the feeling she was like "I am going to hurt myself lethally and it is happening right before my eyes and I can not stop it...". She knew what was coming but they just pushed her further and she was so helpless...As much as I love that documentary about soviet gymnastics the clips are from, it also broke my heart...

[@dkg249]

It’s unreal the abuse the elite gymnasts as well as amateurs have gone through for many decades and continue to go through, down to Larry Nassar. Like they don’t have enough mental and physical torture/ abuse to deal with but to be sexually abused too. It’s just incomprehensible that gymnastics has a history of putting safety precautions in place a little too late, with a winning at all costs culture. Only in gymnastics would a person thank god that they were hurt or paralyzed to avoid competing. Poor girls. Shows you the sheer brutality. RIP Elena.

[@CJ-jx4bq]

@@dkg249 I do believe that what was being explained in this video was that it was the USSR Gov't that expected the gymnastics program to step up at any cost and push Mukhina to be at her very best, no matter what the coaches thought. The 'thank God' sensation that came with the injury I'm sure had to do with the pressure from above at that time (& the consequences of it) and not from being in the sport of gymnastics. Had the USSR not lost to Romania at the 1979 Worlds it's entirely likely Mukhina would not have been put through the worst of what she was. I'm by no means however, saying that the Thomas Salto wasn't dangerous for her to train/compete.

[@CJ-jx4bq]

@@jelena8960 The feeling that continuing with a dangerous element the gymnast is scared of was proven fatal for Julissa Gomez. She struggled with the round-off entry to her vault, she didn't want to do it, she was scared, other coaches even noticed she was struggling with it, yet she was still forced to do it and she was right. Her foot missed the back of the board causing her head to hit the horse and leading to a coma she never came out of. I think continuing with a difficult and dangerous element that a gymnast is scared of only adds to the danger of a bad outcome. Her overall mood, as you see it, can't have helped either.

[@paulagiliberto7386]

@@dkg249 That what communism do what people: it reduces humans to things. In gimnastics, girls are emptied of personality to be used without suffering and the only thing they want to is to be better than the others, and the feelinga they have are angry and frustation. Otherwise they couldn't do what they do... or did

[@robinholland1574]

Every person who has a negative thing to say about Simone Biles dropping out should take a look at this video. Each athlete and in fact each one of us knows our own bodies and minds. If an athlete is injured or even is not confident in their abilities they must be given the opportunity to rest, reflect, get some help. No judgment. No name-calling. These gymnasts KNOW what can happen if they are even just a little off. Their careers in gymnastics are very short. But they can have a long life, healthy and fulfilling. But only if allowed to make it through the process alive. RIP Elena. Your country did you wrong. Rest easy now.

[@mmurphyCHC]

I was also struck by that watching this story

[@faith2xxx]

Thank you!❤️❤️❤️💯💯💯

[@raquelcarvalho3080]

You are pushing it comparing the two athletes. Simone Biles's case is totally different... she is not injured, if she didnt intend to compete she shouldn't have gone to Japan.

[@FITZIEBLUE]

and Katelyn OhashI , Simone's team mate/rival for first in the 2013 Trials. She (Katelyn) was #1 , until she wasn't. Competed while injured, and then said "i can't", retired and then went on to get her 'bliss' back. Ironic that both of these former team mates and rivals for their 1st/Gold have come to the same edge of the cliff.

[@unknown-lf6zx]

Well said. I can't believe how ugly people are being to simone. At her level she could have ended up like this or dead. Athletes and everyone has the right to say NO if they don't feel safe!!!

[@tanjacavalli885]

thank you for telling very clearly the kind of abuse Elena was subjected to, it's horrific. Being an orphan she had nobody to turn to, nobody protected her. She must have been so desperately unhappy and alone. In various footage you can tell she's on the verge of tears. In one interview her coach blames her for crying, she sais "if I cry a bit I feel better and I can go on", the trainer sais, "ok then cry, just keep going". He's despicable. Elena was used and manipulated to the point that she blames herself, a little girl, instead of the irresponsible adults who played with her life for "the honor of a nation".

[@astridtimmer5253]

Yes I agree it's horrible. No joy in life, no parents, no love....very sad

[@KellyOKellyComedy]

I couldn't have said it better!

[@colleendito2046]

Thanks Huck for presenting Elena's story with the HONOR she so deserves. She always looks so sad, so lost, and to believe she was blame. Exploited by her own country, absolutely shameful.

[@nilanjanaramasubramanian6662]

Couldn't have said it better myself! Elena was already such a talented young gymnast so why didn't they work on what she was good at... I mean, even they were saying that she was the only woman gymnast to perform many new moves, so work on strengthening her great routines, not force her to perform a move that only male gymnasts have ever performed. If they wanted to give her a new coach, why give her a coach who's experienced the n coaching male gymnasts and has only one goal in mind... a gymnast I coach must win a gold medal at the Olympics!!! Every gymnast and coach has the dream of winning gold and work hard to achieve this dream, but they normally know when they need to take a break, especially if they've suffered an injury. Elena's coach didn't care if he pushed Elena too far as long as she won gold before anything happened to her... basically he was living his performing career through Elena's. if they had allowed her leg to heal properly then maybe she could've won gold in the 1984 Olympics... but no they had to torture her by removing her cast prematurely not once, but twice and forced to train and go on a gruelling diet all with the goal of her winning gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, but what Elena the person? She begged her coach to not force her to perform the Thomas Salto move, begged the team doctors not to remove her cast prematurely both times and begged the team coach not too force her to train 1 day post surgery! How many times and in how many ways does she have to say NO without saying the damn word?! It's just so unfortunate that the coach's desperation for gold blinded him to his student's needs and his fellow coaches didn't help him by pushing him so much so that it ended in Elena's catastrophic injury... poor Elena, a victim of a system that pushes til you break (literally)!!!

[@amberosburn2941]

Well said and she did blame herself. Just a child!!!😭😥

[@sktzn6829]

Watching Elena Mukhina smiling brings me to tears. She was so young and had so much potential in her. She was so lively and happy, and was planning to live her life to the fullest. It's devastating that her career and life had to be cut so drastically short.

[@massimoceci]

Yes it is.

[@maurened5969]

I was a gymnast during this era. I worshiped the Soviet team, especially Tourescheva. My teammates and I got to meet the Russian team when they came to tour around 1975. He is absolutely telling the truth about the pressure put on them to perform while injured. This is tragic what happened to Mukhina.

[@sasak9794]

Amazing life ❤ i envy you on such memories, it vas hard but beautyfull

[@aerialkate]

I was born in '71 and I have vague memories of Nadia Comaneci. I well remember Nellie Kim, but I'd never heard of Elena Mukhina. What a tragic story - it had me crying. I read her bio (on Wikipedia) and noticed that she'd lost both her parents by the age of five. What a sad life she must have led. You can see the tragedy in her eyes in the footage of her training. I've read that Shushunova performed the Thomas salto at the 1987 European championships. I can't believe that after what happened to Elena Mukhina that the move wasn't banned in women's gymnastics straight away. It's good that you ended the film with beautiful footage Elena's graceful movements and that you have devoted this film to her - she deserves a tribute. Rest in Peace, Elena.

[@shareeflower5629]

I was born in 1971 too and loved doing gymnastics, but nobody forced me to do it - I just loved doing back walkovers and cartwheels all the time :). Nadia was my hero - so gorgeous and I hardly heard of Elena as well. They need to do a movie about Elena - such despicable treatment of a gorgeous girl x

[@jaysmith9933]

I read that the Russians kept the extent and circumstances regarding her injury under wraps until the late eighties/ early ninties.

[@violetmartha916]

Yes, the Russians are good at covering things up...not least Chernobyl. I hope that sweet Yelena was able to still find happiness in spite of her life altering injuries. 😟

[@susangreen3002]

I was also born in 1971 I was also a gymnast ABSOLUTELY love it and miss it. My heart broke for her

[@pizzalover885]

Same here

[@bindi06]

Poor girl. You can see in her face how she struggled to get back to winning form, but her body was exhausted as well as her spirit.

[@OceanbornAngel]

Elena Mukhina is truly an unsung Gymnastics Legend that was treated horribly.

[@elenamukhinafan3506]

She was astounding! She was a champion! She was a star! Gone but not forgotten.

[@mypersonalstuff8456]

The VERY SECOND Simone Biles stepped up and said “no,” I told my husband about this tragedy, so grateful that Simone felt empowered enough to step back. Having spent my entire life as a gymnastics coach, I have never, nor will I ever place an athlete’s safety secondary to a temporary moment of glory. I am grateful to Simone’s coaches for allowing her that autonomy, and I’m hoping that simple act of permission rids our sport of the intimidation style coaching that has been considered to be acceptable for far too long. RIP Elena, and continue being the GOAT, Simone, by knowing when to say yes and when to say no.

[@kellicoffman8440]

Absolutely Simone did the right thing

[@StrawberryShortcake12335]

I admire Simone AT LEAST as much for her wise decision making as I do for her gymnastics skill! Good parenting and less oppressive coaches also deserve credit.

[@bischnou]

Beautiful Elena Mukhina. What an angel. They may have broken your body but they will never break your spirit now.

[@melissamason2983]

She only wanted someone to hug her, protect her. She was raised to be docile and then subjected, used, abused, and then hidden. Bravo to gerfor coming out and telling her story. I hope everyone- her coaches, her doctors, her guardians, the officials of the games...I hope they feel guilty! I hope they realize what they did to that little girl. R.I.P. Yelena ❤

[@ab-bg3by]

She looks so sad. It breaks my heart. She was precious.

[@elinatitajeva4442]

Unfortunately, she never looked happy, her eyes and face expression been always sad, that's why when i saw all her interviews and participations i felt sad as well for her. Everyone here is keep saying, that it is just a Klimenko and government fault, but in a reality, if we will gonna look back, first of all it was her dream to became an athlete in Olympic games, everyone knows, that to became a participant or representative of your country in Olympics it is almost impossible, because you must be the best, unique etc. From that perspective, she suppose to understand, that to become a legend of Olympics it is hard, painful road not for everyone. Secondly, when that tragedy happened, she was in a gym alone, repeating her new complicated program with no coach and with no fall insurance, plus her leg was injured in that time. I am not blaming her, i am just trying to say, that she did a hilarious mistake, quite unprofessional and risky. Government turned their backs, but all professional sport is cruel, if our skills fall into disrepair , then no one needs us anymore, we becoming just an unnecessary garbage.

[@plushaye]

@@elinatitajeva4442 I read an article which had an interview with Elena. She said she wanted to retire after the 1978 World Championships but when she won the AA, she cried not from joy but because she knew she would be pushed into being on the Olympic team. She was right because the USSR was trying to counter a Nadia comeback with all their best gymnasts. Elena in 1979 had a broken leg which hadn't healed properly and 'they' used to come to her apartment and force her to the gym when she didn't want to go. Her coach Klimenko was away, maybe in Moscow, trying to make sure she would be on the Olympic team. There was a substitute coach there that day when she was badly injured on FX training. It was a situation that ended in tragedy (paralysis at 20 years) but Elena said she was actually relieved she didn't have to go to the Olympics!

[@mickeyphillips6603]

She looks so incredibly sad in the opening sequence when she’s on the uneven bars. She has a look of dread on her face like she is worn out and she knows it is going to hurt.

[@riceballnyan]

This is a story the world has to hear

[@katbandit3190]

she looked so upset, how heartbreaking. I just wanted to give her a hug

[@Gigipretty64]

I watched Elena’s interview where she said her first thought when she had the final fall was ‘thank god, now I don’t have to go to the Olympics’ such an amazing graceful gymnast and wonderful soul. I can’t imagine what it would be like preparing to do a move like that when you know you’re not in peak shape. The fact that she found it in her heart to forgive herself, her coach and her Country for letting her down so horrifically is testament to what a truly courageous person she was. Xx 💞💖

[@sangeetharamamurthy8628]

The worst part is that had the national team just let her heal completely the first time (or even just a little bit longer if not completely) and her coach had not pushed her to do the unnecessary Thomas salto, she could have probably contended for the all-around gold at the Olympics or at least a few event finals. And, more importantly, Elena would probably still be alive.

[@MeganVictoriaKearns]

Elena would almost certainly still be alive had she not suffered that injury. Her death in 2006 was directly because of complications of her quadriplegia.

[@auggie803]

-So glad that Thomas Salto was banned from sports. These girls don't need these unnessary broken bones.

[@luciapetrovicova2250]

Actually Elena was injured and there for not so good before the olympics, she was even not supposed to go. They had so many girsl they did not care so múch about her. But her coach really wanted to compete, it was him who pushed her. And she also trained the Thomas salto on the floor in stead of a pit, as she was supposed to. It was more an ambition of her coach and her inability to say no that caused the problem. And her coach felt really bad for the rest of his life, he died one year after she did. A very sad story, but Elena was able to find purpose in her life later on as well. A great lady she was!

[@zrinkaperisic9379]

It's useless now to speak 'what would be if it would be'

[@DutchessForever]

Although I was a huge Nadia Comaneci fan at the time, Elena Muhkina will have a special place in my heart. These incredible athletes were exploited by their governments and we are all guilty of giving this a platform. Today, China is the center of these kinds of practices...

[@blessisrael6455]

Bela Coruli starved, beat and forced American gymnasts to compete when he moved to America, but I understand what your saying with regards to today's sports, it is much worse in Communist Countries. One Chinese diver said that they have to dive into a mattress.

[@carlhan9500]

Watching this brings back memory of 1980. Elena Mukhina was a shy young lady who was raised by her grandmother. Such a tragedy.

[@gb-channel1880]

Wonder how her life would had turned if she were not pushed to the edge to take the fatal move. Rest in peace in Jesus Name.

[@mariancounsellor]

They didn’t care about her, she was misused, unprotected, used and abused. This almost brought me to tears

[@katheryntaylor5887]

So her coach was forced to give up his own Olympic dream due to injuries, yet he forced Elena to continue regardless of her injuries still not being healed properly. Appears he didn't learn from his experiences. This poor girl was treated like she didn't matter. She was beautiful and talented and they cast her aside because they thought she was too old. She was badly let down by people who should have shielded her, not to mention the sadness of losing both her parents at age 5. I hope she is at peace now.

[@montereyharris1277]

Katheryn Taylor yes! Yet this week girl stood up for him and said that it was not his fault and that she should’ve said no. Any other coach would’ve noticed the injury and immediately pulled the athlete out.

[@iskindersam4899]

Great point

[@racheldemain1940]

They would be more aware now but they were in the Soviet Union where people were commodities. The Reputation of the Country was more important.

[@emmihernandez6323]

😥

[@ccburro1]

@@kjjmac Yes. Where there is a “winning is all that matters” and “win at all cost” philosophy, safety (unwisely, short-sightedly) and the spirit of the girls will take a back seat.

[@canwegonowhereanyfaster2958]

This made me want to cry. She looked so sad in her training. My coach made training unpleasant as well, but I always figured out ways to do things my way. Though I was never pushed to do anything that could risk my life in skating. Bless her heart. May her spirit be at peace.

[@annieyahu676]

Elena Mukhina will always be my favorite gymnast. She was truly incredible. It is such a shame how they took advantage of her. She truly gave it all. When a sporting event becomes more important than the lives of people, it is time to boycott them. And after this event, that's just what I did. Human rights are important.

[@zrinkaperisic9379]

on the west they kill people for their inheritance. If they 'didn't take advantage on her' she would probably be alive but average. I would like her to be alive. She doesn't have to be famous. But, for instance, Mohamed Ali knew he would get Parkins but wanted to get in the legend. It's only that everything has to be ones choice.

[@christinejones944]

She was a talented young lady...it’s incredible the stunts she was doing without any spring in the mats.

[@lebronjames5601]

So sorry for what happened to her. Olga Korbut was always smiling and Elena always looked so sad. She was an old person in the body of a very talented young lady. Rip angel.

[@lanag492]

I remember her so well this the young girl that always look so sad..u can always see the soul through the eyes

[@ellie698]

Thank you so much for telling Elena's story and that of the other gymnasts who became injuries or lost their lives 🙏

[@gabrielacasas8644]

I really like how in depth you told her story. I have a better understanding now

[@mpampisal]

Above all, I was impressed by the fact that she did not blame anyone and even tried to joke, saying that her dream came true for rest, lying in bed .... A courageous and bright girl !!!

[@missJolie85]

Well she did blame her coach actually, and she was candid about her experience when she first spoke out. In this clip he says that she forgave her coach before death, that shows a lot of strength.

[@sarahcellblockh1562]

0:58 the expression on her little face speak volumes, RIP gymnastics Angel.

[@valegae854]

♥️

[@vitorrocha9298]

My respect to each and every person who keeps Elena's name alive. Thank you, sir. May God bless you greatly.

[@НатальяГриненко-щ7з]

Не могу .без слез смотреть на выступления Леночки Прости нас

[@abc12356659]

May her soul be resting peacefully in paradise! Beautiful, but horrific story!

[@hm0ngb0y209]

RIP Elena Mukhina. Sunisa Lee bought me here. 7/29/2021

[@redrobiin]

I was a great fan of Elena Mukhina back in those days, and looked forward in seeing her at the Olympics, hearing the news of her accident was very sad. Now i hear that she never wanted to do that dangerous stunt. it could have been prevented.

[@edwardoneil3962]

My heart is broken just listening to what this poor woman was put through. RIP darling amen ❤

[@pricla777]

So sad!!! She did say no! May her greedy coaches burn in hell forever!

[@lauraperez7112]

His coach died in 1995.

[@yuribetlopezgonzalez8883]

- usuus

[@erinbarr6369]

You can't burn forever study science

[@pricla777]

You missed my point...

[@firstlast-gt4te]

She couldn't because people around her and her coach is telling her that all that award she achieve is owned by them..elena told in one interview she hurt so bad physically and emotionally she can't go on she have no reason...so sad i cry for her at least she can rest now thank u for this memories elena mukina your not forgotten...im your fan since i watched tour video...

[@cyl742]

Wow, she does deserve a tribute and to be remembered. I had never heard this before.

[@jansmith6566]

This is the first time I have heard the story of what happened to Elena, I remember hearing that she was the new star of the Soviet Gymnastic team then heard she had an accident but did not know what had actually happened. Thank you for your excellent portrayal of her story.

[@blessisrael6455]

Her country isolated her and refused to allow her to tell what really happened. Thank God she finally got away from them and spoke the truth. R.I.P.

[@Punchiecat]

Great film. I can remember watching gymnastics on TV at the 1980 Olympics, though I was only 12, and hearing an announcement about the serious injury to Mukhina. It stayed with me.

[@ilovekaiser]

Elena would've been the Olympic champion back in 1980.

[@danshovazakharovna4984]

gilbert laylay I wouldn't doubt it

[@trisharivers5588]

But the price they wanted her to pay for that honor was cruel

[@elinatitajeva4442]

Complicated to judge, she had a chance for that, unfortunately she had not enough time for that as well, so in that case we cannot judge something, she was injured and still she came to that sport quite late, so for her it could be a gig challenge to "fight" a Nadia Comanechi in a future.

[@lorrainewilson9818]

Thank you for keeping her memory alive. Great gymnast who although she knew what the outcome would have been she still did it for country and not self. What a price she paid. Rip Elena and rise in glory.

[@NettieKay]

So heartbreaking. Her coach should be in jail for child abuse.

[@oldjack-mi8gk]

Klimenko died in Italy a year after Mukhina's passing. From all accounts he deeply regretted his part in pushing her too hard. Incidentally, he was not on hand when she suffered her fall.

[@missmoxie9188]

To be fair the Soviet government was threatening consequences for him if Elena didn’t medal

[@ahmedelkmisi5814]

Her leg was broken and her coach knew that, sad story, RIP Elina

[@lolasmom5816]

He had as little choice as she did. Both practically belonged to the government. Both were trained from early childhood to do as they were told and win at any cost. He was a victim of a messed up situation like she was. He knew it wasnt ok but like elena he didn't know how to say no.

[@hanginlaundry360]

And the regime😡

[@SW-yk5ny]

You are such a beautiful speaker. Thanks for presenting the life of Elena in such a amazing matter❤️

[@kevinwilcox4735]

I love your accent

[@SigmaHailey]

Elena looks so angelic....humble....I'm so sorry for her...fly with the angels Elena...R.I.P..

[@ShawnVikaKomova2012]

Thanks a lot for sharing this with me and for sharing it with the world. Muhkina's story is the ultimate tragedy. She is a saint and I truly believe she was a better gymnast than Comaneci. It was a shame that the world was robbed of seeing her routines and her beautiful smile. She will forever be a favorite of mine.

[@isabelleguillaud3788]

Thanks a lot for this video and comment. It should have been told even 40 year after the drama. Elena was so courageous and performant. She is an example for future generation. I remember when french journalist told in 1976 that we will not see her in competition before à long time. Now I know why !!! Bad politic reasons. Rest in peace Elena; your example will stay in our memories and we will inform young generarion about your story. You are an angel.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

Bravo! Huck for your production of this video!! She was an extremely beautiful and courageous young lady.

[@margueritegargiulo2191]

Beautiful VIdeo is awesome ~

[@Literatura-z8p]

Make sick how these people abused this poor angel for their own glory

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

Thank you for making this video, truly a heartbreaking story and a lesson that should have more attention than it does 💔 Hollywood gets a lot of flack for exploiting tragedies, but I really wish a young honest filmmaker would take this project on so more people knew about this story. Not the same, but in high school my boyfriend was a pitcher, I was always bothered by how hard his father trained him, his arm was constantly in pain, and what we thought would happen did; he was injured in college and didn’t go on to play in MLB. I think it was a relief for him though, and he was lucky it wasn’t worse and he went on to live a healthy life. But we work our kids so hard, while this is an entire system that failed her, I still wish this story was told.

[@margueritegargiulo2191]

I am pushing for a movie to be made on Elena Six years ago I saw the line with one person hitting like.. The gymnast that everyone forgot..~ I have been writing as I believe she is speaking to us from beyond.. She has opened the door to much abuse by just having her story out for all to see.. The last four years have broken records to many revealing all kind of abuse from pushing gymnast to dangerous moves and much to much practice and mental abuse also.. 1917 1918 1919 1920 NOW this Power hungry sport has had to shape up or move out. Many arrested and jailed.. Protect your children protect your rights . ~ see more on the abuse and court issues the last four years.. I was touched when I read her story SIX years ago and it moved me to help her reach out... She speaks from beyond. with warnings and love~ The announcers and reporters are doing an amazing job with getting her story out Many more videos are made all the time songs are written ! We are pleased and we say Thank you to Elana for telling her story to all.. ~

[@orsolyaritter7292]

Should every parent and child who intend to be involved in gymnastics or in professional sport watch this. Thank you for this video. This girl was incredibly talented. No words can describe it. bu still a human not a robot. Trainers tend to forget this.

[@janetmankowska7710]

My favourite gymnast of all time. Such a tragedy 😢

[@1DaTJo]

My heart grieves for this extraordinary woman who was brutalised by her coach and others. ❤️🌷🌿 We honour your memory, dear Yelena.

[@lindaclement3407]

Thank you so very much for sharing this story. I had heard a little bit about Elena, but never in this much detail. When we watch elite gymnasts spin through the air with such apparent ease, it's easy to forget that they are risking their lives with every single routine, in competition as well as in practice. No one seeing this film will forget that again.

[@afic10]

RIP in peace in heaven beautiful girl.

[@Bonobanos]

afic10 rest in peace in peace

[@vc23]

I much prefer watching gymnasts of this era, 70's, 80's and 90's, so much more graceful and exciting to watch. I also prefer the old scoring system and the anticipation of someone getting a perfect 10.

[@staciehenderson6982]

So many people have been taught that it's egocentric and wrong to think of yourself first but when it comes to your physical and mental well-being, if you don't make yourself a priority then who will? As was the case for Elena and MANY others, the answer sometimes is sadly no one. Self-care is not selfish! RIP Elena

[@ElSmusso]

She was so beautiful. Very good video btw.

[@1daySomeday]

I absolutely love her. So many of us will get to see her again when we are in heaven i want to give her a big hug while she stands tall and strong on both her feet. Listen to your body and when you know it is time, even when you are so very young, please listen to your body and leave the sport behind. Life is ahead of you that you do not want to miss out. I am so glad i left sports behind because little did i know back then i had three babies i needed to have and raise. They now are full grown adults living a purpose filled life. I do not regret my decision.

[@seatbythewindow]

I thought this was a tv documentary at first! Wonderful job!

[@karaamundson3964]

One of the sorriest stories I've ever heard. Slaying the girl that leapt the golden routines... And her immediate response to her quadriplegic accident? Absolutely tragic.

[@blessisrael6455]

A teenage gymnast pushed to insurmountable pressure, begging to stop and practicing with a broken leg. What's really sad is when she broke her neck and became a quadrapalegic, the first thing she said was 'thank God.' This girl sacrificed more then any other gymnast and her country tried to bury the truth after it happened. Unbelievable. For her bravery and sacrifice, she is the greatest gymnast in history ......

[@TheWoodland12]

Elena said the first thing she said after breaking her neck was well at least I won’t have to keep practicing for the olympics. Also did you know she was raised by her grandma as her parents weren’t around which is probably why her coaches could get away with pushing her like they did.

[@goofydog2]

WOW! Her story is only above the telling of her story by you Huck. You are a true inspiration in your own right.Thank You for showing me that all my perceived problems are quite small in the realm of history and all that has gone before me and all that will follow after me. God Bless Elena and Yourself.

[@michaelcavanaugh3095]

RIP Yulena. Man so sad. She worked sososo hard. So sad. She was so sweet what a sweet smile in the beginning of the video she actually was smiling for once

[@ViardotVSGrisi]

Yelena Mukhina, always in our hearts. A trailblazer and victim of a system that put prestige ahead of its people.

[@kathleenandre8484]

What an Angel and a warrior. May she rest in heavenly peace.🙏🏻🙏🏻❤

[@dcdddddd1]

I enjoyed watching Yelena Mukhina do all of her routines. She did really difficult amazing skills. She was a wonderful gymnast. R.I.P. Yelena.

[@andykerr3803]

She really was spectacular ♡

[@thomwei]

Thank you Mr Huck Finn. Very good work, we are discovering that terrible story. Deeply touched. Thank to Yelena, and her generosity. What a beautiful gymnast and true dancer she was. Exceptional. Thank you.

[@margueritegargiulo2191]

True dancer and her grace her poise in dance was amazing ~ NO ONE has it like she did ~ The grace and dance and difficulty has never been seen again The entire package ~

[@philfromearth]

Good Job. A fitting tribute to the remarkable athlete and what a sad ending. Thanks.

[@CodySDivineCreators]

This is really exceptional. I see that you've gone through great lengths of research to produce this video and you were as knowledgable as any Olympic commentator I've heard! I'm so glad I gave this video a change to watch. Thank you for that!

[@MsHammy91]

incredible story told in a pleasant way. very inspiring, with both gymnastics (or sports for that matter) and video making! really nice editing. i was a gymnsat myself, nothing proffesional, but even the small competitions can be hard and with pressure on the person.

[@nadeto9696]

A great presenter you are!

[@huckfinn22]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your kind comment.

[@rickou2]

I appreciate the kind of Romania pronunciation of "Comaneci", but it would have been good as well to pronounce properly the letter "T" : it's not "Marda", it's "Marta" (Karolyi).

[@Oksana7305]

+Nadezhda Dimitrova I agree. Huck Finn is great and very sensitive and compassionate.

[@genmama1955]

What a moving story about a girl I'd never heard of. I love the way you narrate it and add the dramatic music.

[@seonaruth]

Thank you for putting this together, it's nice to finally realise the story of perhaps the most self-sacrificing world-class gymnast that has ever lived. R.I.P. Elena Mukhina xoxo

[@stevehofmann9525]

Huck, you have made an excellent video in all respects. What a pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[@Britgirl58]

Thank you for this ~ you present very well, very interestingly, and non sentimental. Although a tragic occurence, your telling of her story hides nothing.

[@cklg88]

Elena would NOT have broken her neck, IF they would have left her to heal in her cast and not take it off and force her to return to training to early (all because she was their great hope of Gold). If she was in the 80's Moscow Olympics I personally think she would have taken the clean swoop of the all-a-rounds. But, even with her broken leg (and left to heal properly), she would have been out of the 80 Olympic's her broken leg was not healed for it. But, to take a cast off and train with a splintered bone (after an operation is Ludacris) there was NO WAY in hell she could properly push off hard enough to get the height for the Salto (no way) and this is what failed her and why she broke her neck. This is a tragic tragic story and I think of her always. RIP Elana !!! I wish I could have helped her

[@AngelaMastrodonato]

You’re right about her being in no shape to perform, but based on the description of the move, the Thomas Solto, she could have broken her neck even if she was in top form and made a simple miscalculation

[@ceciliaolivieri5395]

It was not everything about her legs, SHE KNEW that the T.S was too much for her

[@susanbollig]

This poor little girl. She always looks so sad. But she didn't have a chance with all of the pressure on her. I hope she is resting peacefully.

[@chiarai.5764]

Please...a film for this girl!

[@ainahmad1804]

agree

[@lusiyafarbman8866]

Я не могу спокойно смотреть на Елену Мухину.Трагическая судьба.Светлая память.

[@em_mkay]

She will never be forgotten

[@elenamukhinafan3506]

Not ever.

[@odairjsantos5567]

Sad history. Thanks for posting it

[@thorthelionkingodinson4385]

I cried my eyes out when i first heard her story. I love women's gymnastics and some of them are angels to my heart, olga nadia jelena. I love you

[@iphone1627]

The coach is a monster

[@lolasmom5816]

No he's not. He was in the same situation she was in. Neither could say no. Neither had a choice. They were in the soviet union. It's not like being in the US where u can refuse. Both were trained from early childhood to do as they were told and win at any cost. He died not long after her injury. It's easy to call him a monster when u don't realize the government was threatening him to make sure she won. The push wasn't only on her. B4 her death she said she didn't blame him bc he was just another victim of the system during that time period. Olympic hopeful athletes and their coaches didn't have choices. He wasn't educated or trained in how to coach a young girl. He didn't order her cast off or that she be forced to start training again. Those orders came from above him.

[@hoaniman1]

awesome Huck, thank you for sharing and tribute to Nadia and aspecially the girl with ice eyes Elina, how tragic end to a great athlete. Moe mai ra........rest in peace.

[@nursesusan2010]

There are so many errors in your comment. You didn't even spell Elena's name correctly. What a shame!

[@patrmch]

very sad history... thanks to share..

[@wenuplay]

This is so sad. I cried. Wonderful job on this Huck.

[@spike84able]

Poor childs life was put at cost for a medal and title

[@Lily-fr8mk]

I thank you for the well detailed narration of her story. There shall be a movie about her life as well.

[@meganeva9706]

Even tho she said it wasn't the coaches fault, it was. She knew it wasn't safe and the coach probably did too.

[@randomhumanoidblob4506]

Great video, thank you. All those knocking the Soviet system need to understand the U.S. gleefully took Bela Karolyi and his gross training regime, the norm throughout the Soviet world including Romania, and applied it to their team. Read "Pretty Girls in Little Boxes" - US gymnasts competing with horrible injuries that never healed and bullied into keeping quiet about the pain. The 86 U.S. team competed virtually starved and most, if not all, badly injured. This is a world issue, not just a U.S. issue. Minimum ages have been upped and the Thomas Salto is now banned for men, too. But they are still mostly children, dragged into abusive training from a very young age - and they are trained to cover-up how restricted their lives are as well.

[@randomhumanoidblob4506]

Sorry, "Little girls in pretty boxes."

[@JoJo-hg7tg]

The gymnast in that movie developed an eating disorder too

[@Cleow33]

Very true. It’s a worldwide problem across the whole sport because so many countries wanted to emulate the successes of the Eastern Bloc, they adopted the eastern training methods. In a sport where your performers are very young girls, it is easy to exploit and abuse them. Thank goodness that Simone Biles has spoken out about looking out for herself first.

[@sanjanasinha9670]

I will never forget how that guy pressurized Kerri Strug although winning a gold but indirectly resulting in her super early retirement.

[@carebear8655]

Crazy, heartbreaking, batshit crazy coaches-- this legend really deserves to RIP.

[@CrabDigs]

It wasn't the coaches. It was the Communist Party. If the coaches didn't do what they were told they would be sent off to work camps or worse.

[@ralucagymnast]

Breaks my heart hearing Yelenas story every time:( She was such a beautiful gymnast in every way, combining extremely difficult and complex acrobatics with amazing grace and poise; she was unique in that sense; the full-in back out salto is named the Mukhina, although her other named skills are no longer allowed; her back salto with full twist from the top bar in a-bars, and her low bar dismount of hecht tuck back salto, also now banned, I think?

[@olgahavkin1316]

Yes

[@suzanasoares6222]

Elena Mukhina foi uma excelente ginasta, mas teve seu fim trágico. Chorei quando conheci sua história. Como pôde ter feito isto com ela!😢