Natalia Ilienko (Ильенко Наталья) Saves! • 1981 Europeans Gymnastics Balance Beam Reaction

#gymnastics #sovietgymnastics #nataliailienko #gymnast #artisticgymnastics A member of the 1981, 1983, and 1984 Soviet teams, Natalia Ilienko was one of the most beautifully stylish gymnasts of the early 80s 😍. She was good on all events, but especially floor exercise where many consider her to be one of the best dancers to come out of the Soviet Union 🙌🏼. Natalia was actually expected to contend for the all-around at 1981 Worlds, winning the compulsories round. Unfortunately mistakes in optionals left her out of the AA Final. But like a phoenix rising from the ash, she got a chance to redeem herself in Floor Finals and she did just that, capturing the gold medal. In this video, we take a gander at Natalia's glorious balance beam routine from 1981 Europeans in Madrid. She would win the silver medal behind the legendary Maxi Gnauck, but her risk, originality, line, extension, and comportment has long made her one of my all-time favorite gymnasts! Natalia now coaches in the UK under her married name Ilienko-Jarvis and has been one of the loveliest people on gymnastics social media for several years running! 💗 Please check out my gymnastics website at https://thesovgc.wordpress.com