Rhythmic gymnastics: legendary TV workouts with Soviet female athletes

They say that there was a lot of things that didn’t exist in the USSR. And indeed, before the fall of the Iron Curtain, most novelties and trends did not reach the inhabitants of our country. But what the Soviet people certainly had no problems with was sports – athletes performing under the red banner, repeatedly won first places and occupied entire pedestals at international competitions.

Love for sports was not only manifested in professional achievements – it was an integral part of everyone’s life. The legendary “Rhythmic Gymnastics” – a program that conquered even the most “lazy” hearts. At the appointed time, not only women and men who love healthy lifestyle gathered around the screens to admire the beautiful presenters.

For the program 12 different aerobics complexes with outstanding Soviet sportswomen were filmed. The episodes were broadcast on central television from 1984 to 1991, but they inspired people for many years. “Ritmika” – more than teletraining, it is part of a whole cultural revolution. We suggest to remember the best presenters of the program and work out to the rhythms of the 80s.

Natalia Linichuk

The first issue of “Rhythmics” was hosted by figure skater Natalia Linichuk. Champion of the Olympics-80, two-time world and European champion in ice dancing – together with her partner, and in the future husband, Gennady Karponosov, Linichuk won many awards. She was not only an excellent athlete, but also a charismatic presenter.

After completing their sports careers, the spouses became coaches. At different times their pupils were such famous figure skating couples as Irina Lobacheva and Ilya Averbukh, Tatiana Navka and Roman Kostomarov, Albena Denkova and Maxim Stavinsky.

Now Natalia lives in the USA, where she continues to work as a coach and educates a new generation of ice dancers.

Lilia Sabitova

The second set of “Ritmiki” was led by ballerina Liliya Sabitova. After studying at the Moscow Choreographic School, the artist returned to her native Tashkent and for some time performed in the troupe of the Uzbek Opera and Ballet Theater named after A. Navoi. However, due to a serious injury she had to leave the ballet. Only two years later after a long treatment Sabitova was able to return to the stage and joined the Moskontsert.

In 1981 she became a soloist of the Chamber Ballet, created by her husband Stanislav Vlasov. Her natural charm, acting talent and amazing plasticity made her a favorite of audiences around the world. And when in 1985 Sabitova appeared on Soviet television screens, no one could remain indifferent.

Elena Bukreeva

Gymnast Elena Bukreeva took up the “TV baton” next. She practiced rhythmic gymnastics since childhood and was one of the brightest representatives of the Soviet sports school. Since 1979 she performed in group exercises – her team was nicknamed “the magnificent six” by the journalists of the newspaper “Sovetsky Sport”. The girls confirmed this title twice, winning gold medals at the European Championships in 1982 and at the first Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in 1983.

The gymnast was one of the most striking and memorable presenters of “Rhythmics” – her charm and gracefulness mesmerized spectators of all genders and ages. In addition, in aerobic complexes Bukreeva used her own developments – despite the effect, the exercises were light enough and could be performed even by housewives who were not accustomed to physical exertion.

Elena Skorokhodova

Master of sports in figure skating, film and theater actress, playwright and journalist – Elena Skorokhodova managed to try on many roles. One of them was the role of the host of “Rhythmic Gymnastics”.

In her childhood years, Elena was professionally engaged in figure skating, in 1983 she successfully graduated from the Shchukin School and joined the troupe of the Moscow Pushkin Theater. Skorokhodova conquered the audience not only with her beautiful figure, but also with her natural charm.

Elena wrote several plays, and also released an author’s collection of love lyrics. In addition, now she again leads a TV program about gymnastics – “Doing Together. Gymnastics. After 35 years.” So loyal fans of the presenter can again see her on the screen.

Natalia Efremova

Gymnast Natalia Efremova became the first and only presenter of “Ritmika”, who starred in the program together with her children. As the athlete herself jokes, they simply had no one to leave them at home with.

Charming Natalia quickly won the hearts of Soviet TV viewers – letters from fans came to her in bags, so that even a quick look through all was impossible.
In the 1990s, the gymnast was expecting her third child, left for Vancouver and, as a result, stayed there. Efremova was quickly offered the position of leading coach of the Canadian national rhythmic gymnastics team. This is what she continues to do to this day.

Today, Natalia lives for three cities: Vancouver, Moscow and her native Taganrog. She is active on social networks, where she shares her achievements and professional plans with her subscribers.

Svetlana Rozhnova

Rhythmic gymnastics coach Svetlana Rozhnova became the host of several editions of “Rhythmic Gymnastics”. But perhaps the most memorable was the first one – it was called “On the Sea”, and the shooting really took place on the Black Sea coast, in the Krasnodar region.

Today Svetlana lives in the USA. And although her history with professional sports is over, she has not left her favorite gymnastics – the ex-coach runs a YouTube channel where she talks about Pilates and stretching exercises.