Sovetsky Sport. September 25, 1985. The USSR Cup - is an all-around and team tournament. The men's Army team won the competition. And the second team of the Army was third. To which the famous gymnastics specialist Professor V. Silin (Leningrad) remarked: "What is the strength of the Army team? The fact that Army coaches work using modern methods. Any new elements in world and domestic gymnastics are immediately studied, analyzed, and immediately tested in training. This is very clearly visible at competitions, say at the Armed Forces Championships. There are always new elements there, no less than at the national championship."
The Armed Forces team was led by Dmitry Bilozerchev, a student at the Leningrad Military Institute of Physical Culture. He radiates health, youthfulness, and confidence. His scores on the day of the optional program were excellent. On the parallel bars, the judges, led by Gennady Grachev, unanimously gave him 10 points. Dmitry's routines on all apparatus are balanced. They exude freshness, they correspond to the spirit of our fast-paced times. They really include almost all the new products of modern gymnastics. For example, on the floor Bilozerchev has an element that causes applause: a handstand with spread arms. This difficult strength combination was demonstrated for the first time at our post-war championship by Merited Master of Sports Albert Abramyan. Then it was somehow forgotten. At the 1958 world championships, it was spectacularly presented by Japanese gymnasts. And now the well-forgotten old element looks great in the performance of our leader.
The inner intensity of the competition can best be felt not on the platform, but next to it, where the athletes are preparing to enter the "stage" of the Izmailovo Sports Palace. I sat down with the gymnasts for a few minutes. Oh, there's a different life here, and I realized the anxiety and expectations.
Valentin Mogilny was cleaning his grips with sandpaper - white magnesia enveloped his overworked hands like a cloud. Bilozerchev pulled the top of his woolen jacket right under his eyes, as if he were putting on knightly armor. He stares off at a certain point. Maybe it's easier for him to get ready this way, imagining how he'll go into duel now? Alexander Tumilovich closed his eyes, apparently replaying the parallel bars exercise in his mind. Vladimir Artemov was wrapping his finger with a bandage. Artur Akopyan alternately took off and then put on his "Czech shoes." All these are insignificant details, but in these behind-the-scenes glimpses there is so much expression!
Boys in track suits constantly interfered with the gymnasts' concentration and thrust programs at them. "Guys," Akopyan begged, "let's do it after the competition, okay?" But he obediently signed his name. And others also gave their autographs. How could you refuse them, becuase they looked at you with such devoted eyes.
Suddenly, I heard a thin, faltering voice. "Guys, did you see that? No, did you see what a jump someone did on the parallel bars from the springboard? That's great! I wish we could try that too!"
Let me introduce you: the voice belonged to Kostya Shoniya. He is 12 years old, studying in the sixth "B" group of School No. 314. Like all his small friends, he has been doing gymnastics for six years at the sports school of the Pervomaisky district of Moscow with coach Vadim Vadimovich Sapetov.
It's okay, boys, the masters aren't offended by you, although you bother them a little. The main thing is that you learn from them, and understand the wonderful world of REAL GYMNASTICS!
Bilozerchev's victory was taken for granted by everyone. The second place of Vladimir Artemov, a student at the Vladimir Pedagogical Institute, was appreciated as a manifestation of courage. A serious ankle injury prevented him from competing at both the European Championships and the Universiade. And now his foot was tightly swaddled with a wide plaster, and he winced in pain. His result was super.
What makes them overpower themselves like this, to do something through "I can't"? The thirst for fight! In rapturous, passionate competition, they show their best qualities and become stronger than circumstances. This is also the beauty of sport; its educational value.
Valentin Mogilny will be 20 years old on December 18. He is a complete gymnast: the purest lines, graceful strength. This is a young man who eagerly explores the world. A law student at Kemerovo State University, he never parts with his books. Jack London and Vladimir Belyaev have been completely re-read. How does he evaluate his performance?
"Is there a book in your sports bag?"
"Of course. I'm reading Eastern Tribune by Evgeny Ilyin. I was told that the poem was written by coach Ilyin from Dinamo, who coaches Misha Kokorin."
"They played a trick on you. The poet Evgeny Ilyin is a different person."
"Really?" Valentin laughed. "Well, now I'll have to play a trick on someone, too."
And he cheerfully ran to the formation.
After the award ceremony, Dmitry Bilozerchev approached his parents. Father Vladimir Nikolaevich, a working man, firmly shook his son's hand, hard as flint.
TECHNICAL RESULTS
30th USSR Cup and 45th USSR Championships in gymnastics. Moscow.
Men. Optional program. 1. D. Bilozerchev (Army 1) - 116.1; 2. V. Artemov (Burevestnik) - 114.65; 3. V. Mogilny (Army 1) - 114.0; 4. A. Tumilovich (Dinamo 1) - 113.45; 5. E. Gevorkyan (Trud) - 113.05; 6. A. Akopyan (Army 1) - 113.05.
Team results. 1. Army 1 - 569.90; 2. Dinamo 1 - 560.75; 3. Army 2 - 549.65
V. GOLUBEV