Larisa Semenovna Latynina

Born Dec. 27, 1934, in Kherson. Soviet woman athlete. Honored Master of Sports (1956). Judge of international competitions (1968); instructor. Member of the CPSU since 1963.

Latynina won 18 medals in various gymnastics events at the 16th through 18th Olympic Games (1956, Melbourne; 1960, Rome; 1964, Tokyo), including nine gold medals, of which two were for the all-around event. As of 1973, she held first place in the world in the number of victories won at Olympic Games. Latynina was all-around champion of the USSR in 1961–62, of Europe in 1957 and 1961, and of the world in 1958 and 1962. She was many times champion of the USSR (11 times between 1956 and 1964), of Europe (five times in 1957, 1961), and of the world (three times in 1958, 1962) in various events and team contests. Since 1966 Latynina has been senior coach of the national women’s gymnastics team of the USSR. She has been awarded the Order of Lenin, three other orders, and various medals.