Svetlana Baitova facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Personal information |
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| Born | 3 September 1972 Mogilev, Soviet Union |
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| Height | 1.52 m (5 ft 0 in) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 39 kg (86 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Artistic gymnastics | |||||||||||||||||||
| Club | Spartak Mogilev | |||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Svetlana Nikolayevna Baitova, born on September 3, 1972, is a famous retired gymnast from Belarus. She was a very important member of the Soviet gymnastics team. Svetlana won a shining gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. She also showed her amazing talent by finishing fourth in the all-around competition at the 1987 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
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Svetlana Baitova: A Gymnastics Star
Early Career and World Championships
Svetlana Baitova quickly became known for her gymnastics skills. At the 1987 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, she helped her team win a silver medal. She also showed incredible individual talent, placing fourth in the all-around final. This meant she was one of the top gymnasts in the world!
She also finished fourth in three other events: vault, uneven bars, and floor exercise. Later, in 1989, Svetlana helped her team win another gold medal at the 1989 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
Olympic Glory in 1988
The 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul was a very special time for Svetlana. She was part of the strong Soviet team that won a gold medal. This was a huge achievement for her and her teammates!
Even though she had a hand injury in 1987, Svetlana worked hard to recover. Her amazing performances at the Olympic trials earned her a spot on the team. Individually, she performed well on the balance beam, finishing seventh. However, due to rules that limited how many gymnasts from one country could advance, she didn't get to compete in the individual finals. Still, her contribution to the team's gold medal was unforgettable.
Gymnastics Moves Named After Her
Imagine being so good at gymnastics that a move is named after you! Svetlana Baitova achieved this. She was one of the first gymnasts to successfully perform a very difficult vault called the "double-twisting Yurchenko" at the 1987 World Championships. This vault is now officially known as the "Baitova" in the gymnastics rulebook, called the Code of Points.
She also has a special move named after her on the balance beam. This move, called the "Baitova," involves two flank circles followed by a leg "Flair." It shows her creativity and skill on this challenging apparatus. These named skills are a lasting tribute to her talent.
Life After Competition
Svetlana Baitova decided to retire from competitive gymnastics in 1990. After her amazing career, she wanted to share her knowledge and passion for the sport. Since 1991, she has been working as a gymnastics coach in her hometown of Mogilev. She helps young gymnasts develop their skills and achieve their dreams, just like she did.
She also started a family. At one point, she took a coaching job in Qatar in 2002. However, she returned home after about a year because the very hot climate was difficult for her. She continued her coaching work in Mogilev, inspiring new generations of gymnasts.
