At the 1952 Olympics, the Soviet men’s gymnastics team made one thing clear: they were undoubtedly the best in the world. Previous powerhouses like the Swiss, Finns, and Germans could not keep up. Soviet athletes not only claimed multiple gold medals but also demonstrated the superiority of their rigorous training and innovative techniques. Viktor Chukarin’s comeback from a shaky compulsory routine on floor exercise to clinch the all-around title epitomized their dominance.
The Soviets’ overwhelming strength was especially visible on rings, where they set new standards of power and precision, and on pommel horse, where their skill pushed the global bar higher. Still, their triumph came with controversy as some judges were accused of favoritism, and critics from Germany and Finland questioned the scoring and individual event placements, particularly Chukarin’s gold on vault. Yet, no one could deny that the Soviet athletes performed with such mastery that they forced the world to recognize them as the new leaders in gymnastics.
Here’s more than you ever wanted to know about what happened on Monday, July 21, 1952.
Quick Links: Results | Videos | Commentary | Appendix: Complete MAG Results
Results
Reminder: Team, all-around, and event finals did not exist at the time. All results were based on one round of compulsories and one round of optionals. To read about the compulsories, head to this post.
Team – Top 15
| CTRY | FX | SR | PH | VT | PB | HB | Total |
| 1. URS | 46.15 | 47.95 | 48.75 | 46.35 | 47.80 | 47.35 | 284.35 |
| 574.40 | 47.95 | 49.30 | 48.05 | 47.80 | 49.00 | 47.95 | 290.05 |
| 2. SUI | 43.85 | 46.50 | 47.50 | 47.15 | 48.50 | 48.35 | 281.85 |
| 567.55 | 46.85 | 48.10 | 47.10 | 46.95 | 48.25 | 48.45 | 285.70 |
| 3. FIN | 46.20 | 46.45 | 46.30 | 46.45 | 46.75 | 48.25 | 280.40 |
| 564.20 | 47.65 | 47.60 | 47.20 | 46.45 | 47.05 | 47.85 | 283.80 |
| 4. GER | 43.70 | 45.90 | 47.50 | 46.65 | 47.50 | 48.00 | 279.25 |
| 561.20 | 45.80 | 47.20 | 46.75 | 47.25 | 47.30 | 47.65 | 281.95 |
| 5. JPN | 46.75 | 45.45 | 45.00 | 47.20 | 46.65 | 46.65 | 277.70 |
| 556.90 | 47.60 | 47.10 | 43.40 | 47.35 | 46.20 | 47.55 | 279.20 |
| 6. HUN | 45.85 | 45.85 | 47.25 | 46.20 | 46.60 | 46.25 | 278.00 |
| 555.80 | 46.95 | 47.40 | 46.05 | 46.60 | 45.10 | 45.70 | 277.80 |
| 7. TCH | 45.65 | 47.00 | 46.90 | 46.15 | 46.85 | 45.95 | 278.50 |
| 555.55 | 46.80 | 47.15 | 45.35 | 46.70 | 46.35 | 44.70 | 277.05 |
| 8. USA | 42.90 | 43.80 | 45.40 | 46.35 | 45.95 | 46.90 | 271.30 |
| 543.15 | 46.40 | 42.40 | 45.20 | 45.80 | 45.55 | 46.50 | 271.85 |
| 9. BUL | 45.25 | 46.40 | 45.60 | 45.45 | 45.55 | 45.60 | 273.85 |
| 540.90 | 44.55 | 46.20 | 43.25 | 45.40 | 45.00 | 42.65 | 267.05 |
| 10. ITA | 43.75 | 45.40 | 46.00 | 44.85 | 45.10 | 43.45 | 268.55 |
| 537.55 | 45.15 | 45.30 | 43.90 | 45.60 | 45.30 | 43.75 | 269.00 |
| 11. AUT | 42.00 | 41.65 | 44.95 | 46.35 | 46.35 | 45.10 | 266.40 |
| 535.40 | 44.10 | 44.35 | 44.00 | 45.95 | 45.75 | 44.85 | 269.00 |
| 12. FRA | 42.50 | 42.80 | 43.40 | 45.45 | 46.40 | 42.60 | 263.15 |
| 534.90 | 45.90 | 44.50 | 45.15 | 45.65 | 45.10 | 45.45 | 271.75 |
| 13. POL | 45.70 | 45.40 | 43.70 | 45.15 | 44.55 | 44.70 | 269.20 |
| 529.80 | 44.80 | 43.20 | 42.60 | 42.70 | 44.75 | 42.55 | 260.60 |
| 14. NOR | 43.50 | 44.35 | 41.45 | 46.25 | 44.60 | 43.60 | 263.75 |
| 525.30 | 45.50 | 44.40 | 39.25 | 45.60 | 42.95 | 43.85 | 261.55 |
| 15. DEN | 42.05 | 44.30 | 42.40 | 45.85 | 44.15 | 44.45 | 263.20 |
| 524.70 | 44.45 | 45.60 | 41.65 | 45.00 | 41.30 | 43.50 | 261.50 |
Note: The first row includes the compulsory scores, and the second row includes the optional scores.
Note #2: Please read the headers. The official results are not listed in today’s Olympic order.
Note #3: For complete results, please jump to the appendix.
The All-Around – Top 15
| Gymnast | CTRY | FX | SR | PH | VT | PB | HB | Total |
| 1. Chukarin Viktor | URS | 8.65 | 9.65 | 9.70 | 9.45 | 9.80 | 9.60 | 56.85 |
| 115.70 | 9.80 | 9.90 | 9.80 | 9.75 | 9.80 | 9.80 | 58.85 | |
| 2. Shahinyan Hrant | URS | 9.30 | 9.80 | 9.90 | 9.05 | 9.50 | 9.45 | 57.00 |
| 114.95 | 9.60 | 9.95 | 9.50 | 9.45 | 9.85 | 9.60 | 57.95 | |
| 3. Stalder Josef | SUI | 9.15 | 9.45 | 9.65 | 9.45 | 9.80 | 9.65 | 57.15 |
| 114.75 | 9.50 | 9.65 | 9.55 | 9.35 | 9.70 | 9.85 | 57.60 | |
| 4. Muratov Valentin | URS | 9.35 | 9.45 | 9.70 | 9.25 | 9.55 | 9.65 | 56.95 |
| 113.65 | 9.50 | 9.90 | 8.60 | 9.45 | 9.70 | 9.55 | 56.70 | |
| 5. Eugster Hans | SUI | 8.40 | 9.60 | 9.25 | 9.40 | 9.85 | 9.65 | 56.15 |
| 113.40 | 9.30 | 9.80 | 9.30 | 9.55 | 9.80 | 9.50 | 57.25 | |
| 6T. Korolkov Yevgeny | URS | 9.00 | 9.45 | 9.75 | 8.90 | 9.50 | 9.35 | 55.95 |
| 113.35 | 9.30 | 9.70 | 9.65 | 9.50 | 9.80 | 9.45 | 57.40 | |
| 6T. Belyakov Vladimir | URS | 9.25 | 9.25 | 9.60 | 9.10 | 9.45 | 9.25 | 55.90 |
| 113.35 | 9.50 | 9.70 | 9.50 | 9.40 | 9.80 | 9.55 | 57.45 | |
| 8. Tschabold Jean | SUI | 8.95 | 9.15 | 9.55 | 9.45 | 9.65 | 9.65 | 56.40 |
| 113.30 | 9.20 | 9.60 | 9.50 | 9.25 | 9.65 | 9.70 | 56.90 | |
| 9. Bantz Helmut | GER | 8.95 | 9.35 | 9.40 | 9.40 | 9.60 | 9.65 | 56.35 |
| 113.25 | 9.25 | 9.60 | 9.55 | 9.40 | 9.50 | 9.60 | 56.90 | |
| 10. Berdiev Iosif | URS | 9.25 | 9.50 | 9.55 | 9.30 | 9.45 | 9.20 | 56.25 |
| 113.10 | 9.40 | 9.60 | 9.25 | 9.60 | 9.70 | 9.30 | 56.85 | |
| 11. Perelman Mikhail | URS | 8.70 | 9.35 | 9.70 | 9.05 | 9.25 | 9.30 | 55.35 |
| 112.50 | 9.45 | 9.70 | 9.60 | 9.25 | 9.75 | 9.40 | 57.15 | |
| 12. Ono Takashi | JPN | 9.40 | 8.95 | 9.40 | 9.50 | 9.45 | 9.45 | 56.15 |
| 112.20 | 9.65 | 9.20 | 9.00 | 9.60 | 9.15 | 9.45 | 56.05 | |
| 13. Daniš Ferdinand | TCH | 9.40 | 9.45 | 9.55 | 9.35 | 9.70 | 9.10 | 56.55 |
| 112.00 | 9.50 | 9.40 | 8.70 | 9.45 | 9.60 | 8.80 | 55.45 | |
| 14. Lappalainen Onni | FIN | 9.30 | 9.30 | 9.00 | 9.35 | 9.45 | 9.40 | 55.80 |
| 111.85 | 9.70 | 9.65 | 8.50 | 9.25 | 9.60 | 9.35 | 56.05 | |
| 15T. Uesako Tadao | JPN | 9.55 | 9.00 | 9.15 | 9.55 | 9.20 | 9.05 | 55.50 |
| 111.65 | 9.60 | 9.35 | 8.85 | 9.55 | 9.30 | 9.50 | 56.15 | |
| 15T. Takemoto Masao | JPN | 9.20 | 9.40 | 8.90 | 9.55 | 9.10 | 9.35 | 55.50 |
| 111.65 | 9.65 | 9.80 | 8.65 | 9.60 | 8.85 | 9.60 | 56.15 |
Floor Exercise
| Gymnast | CTRY | Comp. | Opt. | Total |
| 1. Thoresson William | SWE | 9.45 | 9.80 | 19.25 |
| 2T. Uesako Tadao | JPN | 9.55 | 9.60 | 19.15 |
| 2T. Jokiel Jerzy | POL | 9.55 | 9.60 | 19.15 |
| 4. Ono Takashi | JPN | 9.40 | 9.65 | 19.05 |
| 5. Lappalainen Onni | FIN | 9.30 | 9.70 | 19.00 |
| 6T. Lindh Anders | SWE | 9.35 | 9.60 | 18.95 |
| 6T. Laitinen Kalevi | FIN | 9.45 | 9.50 | 18.95 |
Pommel Horse
| Gymnast | CTRY | Comp. | Opt. | Total |
| 1. Chukarin Viktor | URS | 9.70 | 9.80 | 19.50 |
| 2T. Shahinyan Hrant | URS | 9.90 | 9.50 | 19.40 |
| 2T. Korolkov Yevgeny | URS | 9.75 | 9.65 | 19.40 |
| 4. Perelman Mikhail | URS | 9.70 | 9.60 | 19.30 |
| 5. Stalder Josef | SUI | 9.65 | 9.55 | 19.20 |
| 6. Sauter Hans | AUT | 9.60 | 9.55 | 19.15 |
Rings
| Gymnast | CTRY | Comp. | Opt. | Total |
| 1. Shahinyan Hrant | URS | 9.80 | 9.95 | 19.75 |
| 2. Chukarin Viktor | URS | 9.65 | 9.90 | 19.55 |
| 3T. Leonkin Dmytro | URS | 9.55 | 9.85 | 19.40 |
| 3T. Eugster Hans | SUI | 9.60 | 9.80 | 19.40 |
| 5. Muratov Valentin | URS | 9.45 | 9.90 | 19.35 |
| 6. Takemoto Masao | JPN | 9.40 | 9.80 | 19.20 |
Vault
| Gymnast | CTRY | Comp. | Opt. | Total |
| 1. Chukarin Viktor | URS | 9.45 | 9.75 | 19.20 |
| 2. Takemoto Masao | JPN | 9.55 | 9.60 | 19.15 |
| 3T. Ono Takashi | JPN | 9.50 | 9.60 | 19.10 |
| 3T. Uesako Tadao | JPN | 9.55 | 9.55 | 19.10 |
| 5. Eugster Hans | SUI | 9.40 | 9.55 | 18.95 |
| 5T. Wied Theo | GER | 9.45 | 9.50 | 18.95 |
Parallel Bars
| Gymnast | CTRY | Comp. | Opt. | Total |
| 1. Eugster Hans | SUI | 9.85 | 9.80 | 19.65 |
| 2. Chukarin Viktor | URS | 9.80 | 9.80 | 19.60 |
| 3. Stalder Josef | SUI | 9.80 | 9.70 | 19.50 |
| 4. Shahinyan Hrant | URS | 9.50 | 9.85 | 19.35 |
| 5T. Korolkov Yevgeny | URS | 9.50 | 9.80 | 19.30 |
| 5T. Tschabold Jean | SUI | 9.65 | 9.65 | 19.30 |
| 5T. Daniš Ferdinand | TCH | 9.70 | 9.60 | 19.30 |
High Bar
| Gymnast | CTRY | Comp. | Opt. | Total |
| 1. Günthard Jack | SUI | 9.75 | 9.80 | 19.55 |
| 2T. Stalder Josef | SUI | 9.65 | 9.85 | 19.50 |
| 2T. Schwarzmann Alfred | GER | 9.70 | 9.80 | 19.50 |
| 4. Savolainen Heikki | FIN | 9.75 | 9.70 | 19.45 |
| 5. Chukarin Viktor | SUI | 9.60 | 9.80 | 19.40 |
| 6. Tschabold Jean | SUI | 9.65 | 9.70 | 19.35 |
Video
Commentary
Quick Links: URS | SUI | FIN | GER | JPN | TCH | SWE | USA | IND
During optionals, every team pushed past expectations, but while the Soviet Union dominated on rings and pommel horse, others like Germany, Japan, and Italy showed clear weak spots that kept them from climbing the ranks.
During optionals, all teams are achieving performances that were previously considered impossible. It confirms the result of the compulsories: Russia performs equally well with outstanding performances on rings and pommel horse. Equally balanced, albeit slightly weaker, are the Finns. Germany and Switzerland again lose out on floor exercise, the Japanese again on pommel horse.
The Hungarians and Czechoslovaks maintain their place in midfield through good performances on rings, pommel horse, and vault. Their performances are lower on parallel bars and high bar. The Swedes come up with great performances on floor exercise, but they fall back significantly on rings. The Americans prove their artistic gymnastic development on vault, high bar, floor exercise and pommel horse. However, they have yet to conquer rings. The Italians are remarkably weak on high bar, the outdated team cannot match their earlier victories (gold medals in 1912, 1920, 1924, 1932!). Bulgaria, a country with a good gymnastics tradition, is on the rise. In the first round, the team confirms the result of the compulsory routine by finishing 9th, although their best man – Stoyanov – is eliminated due to injury.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Die Olympischen Spiele 1952 Oslo und Helsinki. Auszug aus dem offiziellen Standardwerk des Nationalen Olympischen Komitees. Leichtathletik, Turnen und Wintersport
Beim Kürturnen werden bisher nicht für möglich gehaltene Leistungen innerhalb aller Mannschaften gezeigt. Es bestätigt das Ergebnis der Pflicht: Rußland turnt gleichmäßig gut mit überragenden Leistungen an den Ringen und am Pauschenpferd. Ebenso ausgeglichen, wenn auch um ein Geringes schwächer, die Finnen. Deutschland und die Schweiz verlieren wiederum beim Bodenturnen, die Japaner abermals am Pferd.
Die Ungarn und Tschechoslowaken behaupten ihren Platz im Mittelfeld durch gute Leistungen an den Ringen, am Pauschenpferd und im Sprung. An Barren und Reck sind ihre Leistungen geringer. Die Schweden warten mit einer hohen Leistung im Bodenturnen auf, an den Ringen fallen sie wiederum empfindlich zurück. Die Amerikaner beweisen ihre kunstturnerische Entwicklung im Sprung, am Reck, am Boden und am Pauschenpferd. Die Ringe jedoch müssen sie sich erst noch erobern. Die Italiener sind auffallend schwach am Reck, die überalterte Mannschaft kann nicht an die früheren Siege (Goldmedaille 1912, 1920, 1924, 1932 !) anknüpfen. Bulgarien, ein Land mit guter turnerischer Tradition, ist stark im Kommen. In der Kür bestätigt die Mannschaft das Ergebnis der Pflicht durch den 9. Platz, obwohl ihr bester Mann – Stojanoff – durch Verletzung ausscheidet.
1. The Soviet Union
The world’s strongest male gymnasts? Clearly, the Soviets. As Sovetsky Sport highlighted, they went up against seasoned rivals and won multiple golds. Their success was typified by Viktor Chukarin, who rose from fourth place after a flop on compulsory floor to win the all-around.
Note: The Soviet gymnasts did not win 13 gold medals. Between the men and women, they won a total of 9 gold medals (MAG: team, all-around, pommel horse, rings, vault; WAG: team, all-around, balance beam, vault). The medal tally was very important for the Soviet Union, but it is not clear if that is why the newspaper misreported the medal count.
Our gymnasts are the strongest in the world! Not a single Soviet person could stay indifferent to this joyful news. The superiority of the most advanced Soviet gymnastics school in the world has been proven.
The path of our athletes at the Olympic Games was difficult. Their opponents—the Swiss, Finns, Americans, Germans, Italians, and Swedes—have extensive experience in international competition. They have had their victories at previous Olympics and world gymnastics championships.
The difficulty of competing against such strong opponents was amplified by the fact that three championships were contested simultaneously: the team championship (with standings based on the five best results total), the individual all-around, and individual events in each apparatus.
Now, the victory is ours. Soviet gymnasts won 13 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Gymnasts from no other country in the world have ever achieved such success.
Viktor Chukarin became the all-around champion of the XV Olympic Games. Soviet gymnastics fans know this athlete well. Well-built with well-developed muscles, Chukarin might appear somewhat too massive. But when the audience sees him on the apparatus, he is a master with perfect control of his body. Chukarin performs the most complex combinations of gymnastic elements with amazing ease, the result of hard work and regular training. After completing the compulsory program, Chukarin was only in fourth place, trailing behind the Swiss gymnast Stalder and his teammates Shahinyan and Muratov. His unfortunate performance on floor exercise let him down, and he did not even make it into the top ten.
This temporary setback, however, did not discourage the Soviet athlete. His brilliant optional routines largely improved his position, as each gymnast demonstrated exercises they had composed themselves. Such a finish came as a total surprise. Chukarin won a particularly significant victory on vault. In this exercise, he surpassed excellent Japanese vault masters like Takamada and Uesako.
Sovetsky Sport, No. 89, 1952
НАШИ гимнасты – сильнейшие в мире! Эта радостная весть не может не волновать каждого советского человека. Доказано преимущество самой передовой в мире советской гимнастической школы.
Трудным был путь наших спортсменов на олимпийских играх. Их соперники – швейцарцы, финны, американцы, немцы, итальянцы, шведы – имеют большой опыт международных встреч. В их активе числятся победы на олимпиадах предыдущих лет, на первенствах мира по гимнастике.
Трудность борьбы с сильными соперниками осложнялась и тем, что одновременно разыгрывались три первенства: командное (с зачетом по результатам пяти лучших), личное по шестиборью и личное в каждом виде шестиборья.
И вот победа одержана. Советские гимнасты завоевали 13 золотых, 5 серебряных и 3 бронзовые медали. Таких успехов еще не достигали гимнасты ни одной страны мира.
Абсолютным чемпионом XV олимпийских игр стал Виктор Чукарин. Советские любители гимнастики хорошо знают этого спортсмена. Ладно сложенный, с отлично развитой мускулатурой, спортсмен кажется несколько грузноватым. Но вот он на снаряде. Перед зрителями – мастер, в совершенстве владеющий своим телом. Сложнейшие сочетания гимнастических элементов Чукарин выполняет с изумительной легкостью, которая является плодом огромного труда и систематической тренировки. После выполнения обязательной для всех участников программы Чукарин был лишь четвертым, проигрывая швейцарцу Шальдеру и своим товарищам по команде Шагиняну и Муратову. Подвело его неудачное выступление в вольных упражнениях, где он не попал даже в десятку сильнейших.
The Czechoslovak press struck a highly political chord, reporting that, while Soviet gymnasts dominated the field, any anti-Soviet heckling from the stands was drowned out by applause from the Finnish working class.
Note: I read many accounts of the competition but found no other references to the heckling of Soviet gymnasts. It’s always interesting to see what citizens encountered in the pages of their newspapers.
Each new day of the Olympic struggle brings new and significant achievements by the athletes of the Soviet Union and the people’s democratic countries. The greatest success so far has been achieved by Soviet gymnasts, who have won a total of 5 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals. The Soviet athletes have once again demonstrated to the whole world their unparalleled mastery, strength and courage in one of the most beautiful, yet difficult sports – gymnastics. The Soviet Union won the team competition ahead of Switzerland by 6.83 points.
[…]
These great achievements proved the prevalence and enormous growth of physical education and sport in countries led by the working people. Only with the care taken by the government of the Soviet Union and the governments of the people’s democratic countries can physical education and sport develop so rapidly. Only here can new physically fit people grow up and then take over world leadership in sport.
In spite of this convincing victory of the Soviet gymnasts, it is necessary to see the fact that the judges did not always decide objectively and that only the complete superiority of the Soviet athletes finally forced them to award them victory on such a large scale. The Finnish reaction, by organizing individual fascist fights, tried to stir up anti-Soviet provocations among the spectators present and thus to belittle, together with the judges, the great achievements of the Soviet athletes. The Finnish working people, however, thwarted the intentions of these fascist enemies. After the announcement of the winners and during the competition, the workers gave the Soviet athletes an enthusiastic and extended ovation. The athletes of the Peace Camp are winning over the Finnish working people more and more.
Rudé Právo, July 23, 1952
Každý nový den olympijských bojů přináší stále nové významné úspěchy sportovců Sovětského svazu a zemí lidové demokracie. Největšího úspěchu zatím dosáhli sovětští gymnasté, kteří získali celkem 5 zlatých, 4 stříbrné a 2 bronzové medaile. Sovětští sportovci prokázali opět před celým světem nedostižné mistrovství, sílu a odvahu v jednom z nejkrásnějších, a přitom obtížných sportů — ve sportovní gymnastice, Mužstvo Sovětského svazu zvítězilo v soutěži družstev před Švýcarskem rozdílem 6,83 bodu.
[…]
Tyto skvělé úspěchy dokázaly převahu a nesmírný růst tělovýchovy á sportu v zemích, kde se stal pánem pracující lid. Jen za péče, kterou věnuje vláda Sovětského svazu a vlády lidově demokratických zemí, se může tak rychle rozvíjet tělovýchova a sport. Jen zde mohou vyrůstat’ novi lidé tělesně zdatní, kteří pak dosahuji světového prvenství ve sportu.
Přes toto přesvědčivé vitězství sovětských gymnastů je třeba vidět tu skutečnost, že rozhodčí nerozhodovali vždy objektivně a že jen naprostá převaha sovětských borců je nakonec přinutila přiřknout jim vítězství v tak velkém rozsahu. Finská reakce se snažila organisováním jednotlivých fašistických bojůvek rozněcovat mezi přítomnými diváky protisovětské provokace a tak zlehčovat spolu s rozhodčími veliké úspěchy sovětských sportovců. Finský pracující lid však zmařil úmysly těchto fašistických nepřátel. Po vyhlášeni vitězů a během závodu uspořádali pracující sovětským sportovcům nadšené a dlouhotrvající ovace. Sportovci tábora míru si stále více a více ziskávají finský pracující lid.
Contrary to what Rudé Právo reported, not everyone thought that the Soviet gymnasts demonstrated “complete superiority” on every event. According to the Germans, Chukarin was overscored on vault, where he won the gold medal.
The optional vaults of his [Stalder’s] sharpest rivals are not very high with a moderate run-up, and Chukarin (9.75) and Muratov (9.45) were not even secure in their landings. The overscoring against Stalder, who already has to give his first place [in the all-around] to Chukarin here, is incomprehensible. Takemoto also loses his well-deserved gold medal [on vault] as a result.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Die Kürsprünge seiner schärfsten Rivalen sind mit mäßigem Anlauf nicht sehr hoch und von Tchoukarin (9. 75) und Mouratov (9.45) noch nicht einmal sicher gestanden. Unverständlich die Überbewertung gegenüber Stalder, der bereits hier seinen ersten Platz an Tchoukarin abgeben muß. Takemoto büßt dadurch ebenfalls seine verdiente Goldmedaille ein.
Similarly, the Germans thought that the Soviets were overscored on parallel bars.
The Russians are going for safety. They all start easily, build up, bring high difficulty in the middle part, and then after an easier connection again show a difficult dismount. There is no risk in their exercises; that they still take the top spot on parallel bars is one of the few wrong decisions of this competition.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Die Russen gehen ganz auf Sicherheit. Sie beginnen alle leicht, turnen sich ein, bringen im Mittelteil eine hohe Schwierigkeit, um dann nach einer leichteren Verbindung wiederum einen schwierigen Abgang zu zeigen. Es ist kein Wagnis in ihren Übungen; daß sie trotzdem die Spitze im Barrenturnen einnehmen, ist eine der wenigen Fehlentscheidungen dieses Wettkampfes.
Note: The Soviets posted the highest score (49.00) on parallel bars. However, the individual winner was Swiss Eugster.
The Germans weren’t alone. The Finns also thought that the Soviets were overscored on parallel bars.
On the parallel bars, Soviet gymnasts also shone, thanks to the help of East Bloc judges.
Jukola Martti, Suuri olympiakirja
Nojapuilla myöskin Neuvostoliiton voimistelijat pääsivät loistamaan ennen saksalaisia itäblokin arvostelutuomarien avulla.
Thanks to Hardy Fink for supplying the Finnish text.
Note: During compulsories, Mironov of the Soviet Union and Poljšak of Yugoslavia were judges. During optionals, Dudek of Czechoslovakia and Kirbicki of Poland were judges.
The Soviets were solid on high bar.
The top gymnasts of the Russians solidify their leading position through good exercises by Shahinyan (bar vault with a twist, el-grip giant, stoop through, hecht: 9.60) and Chukarin (stoop through, el-grip giant very sweeping and floaty salto: 9.80).
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Die Spitzenturner der Russen erhärten ihre führende Position durch gute Übungen von Chaguinian (Überkehre, Ellgriffriesen, Durchschub, Abhechten: 9.60) und Tchoukarin (Durchschub, Ellgriffriesen sehr schwungvoll und Flugsalto: 9.80.)
Floor was a mixed bag for the Soviets.
The Russians are somewhat confused: cheap transitions alternate with new, imaginative variants: circles of both legs with a change of support (Shahinyan 9.60), safe and high stretched saltos, often with half turns (Chukarin 9.80).
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Bei den Russen geht es etwas durcheinander: Billige Verbindungen wechseln ab mit neuen, ideenreichen Varianten: Kreisen beider Beine mit Stützwechsel (Chaguinian 9.60), sichere und hohe gestreckte Überschläge, oftmals mit halben Drehungen (Tchoukarin 9.80).
But the Soviets were absolute stars on rings. In fact, most countries wished that they could count the scores that the Soviets dropped as a team.
The Russians are teaching the other nations a lesson. Their scoring: 9.95-9.90-9.90- 9.85- 9.70! Their additional 9.70- 9.70- 9.60 will not be scored! They thus achieve the absolute highest team score on an apparatus, earning 49.30. The slow-motion-like combinations between planche and lever, cross, handstands and the flow of the felges into the handstands require strength that is not present in any competitor of another nation, except perhaps Takemoto (9.80), Eugster (9.80) and Hans Pfann, whose 9.50 does not reflect the value of his routine.
Chukarin’s combination: lowering from a support into el-hang, dislocating through the bent-armed hang with forward swing to the lever is carefully registered as a novelty (9.90).
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Die Russen erteilen den anderen Nationen eine Lektion. Ihre Wertungen: 9.95-9.90-9.90- 9.85- 9.70! Nicht gewertet werden ihre weiteren 9.70- 9.70- 9.60 ! Sie erreichen damit die absolut höchste Mannschaftswertung an einem Gerät, verdiente 49.30. Die zeitlupenartigen Verbindungen zwischen Stütz- und Hangwaagen, Kreuzhängen, Handständen und das Hineinfließen der Felgaufzüge in die Handstände setzen Kräfte voraus, die bei keinem Wettkämpfer einer anderen Nation vorhanden sind, ausgenommen vielleicht Takemoto (9.80), Eugster (9.80) und Hans Pfann, dessen 9.50 den Wert seiner Übung nicht widerspiegeln.
Tchoukarins Verbindung: Senken aus dem Stütz in den Ellhang, Auskugeln durch den Beugehang mit Vorschwung zur Hangwaage wird als Neuheit sorgfältig registriert (9.90).
One might even say that the Soviets were superhumans on rings.
The Soviet Union is also overwhelmingly strong on rings, with an average score of 9.86 in the free exercise, which is truly astonishing. I would say they have the strength of a superhuman, who has been thoroughly trained.
Sasano Toshihiko, Japan’s Official Report on the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki
吊環でもソ連が断然強い、自由問題で平均9.86という得点は驚嘆にあたいする。徹底的にきたえられた超人的強さと評したい。
According to the Japanese, the Soviets raised the pommel horse bar extremely high.
On pommel horse, the Soviet athletes’ skills were outstanding, and although they were so impressive that they seemed too high for us to aim for directly, we were greatly inspired by their performance. I think this was true not only for us but also for athletes from other countries. I believe that the level of this event will improve dramatically in the future.
Sasano Toshihiko, Japan’s Official Report on the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki
鞍馬ではソ連の技が群を抜いて優れていたがその技は実に見事であり、我々の直接目標として高すぎる感を受けたが彼等の技に大きな刺激を受けた。我々だけでなく各国選手共同様であつたことと思う。今後この種目の水準は飛躍的に高まると思う。
The Germans were less impressed with the Soviets on pommel horse.
Here again, a certain wrong decision of the judges is to be noted, because the provisions of the International Gymnastics Federation require equal swings in the structure of the routine. None of the Russians shows such diametrically opposed circles.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Hier ist wiederum eine gewisse Fehlentscheidung des Kampfgerichtes zu vermerken, denn die Bestimmungen des internationalen Turnverbandes erfordern gegengleiche Schwünge im Aufbau der Übung. Keiner der Russen zeigt solch gegengleiche Kreisflanken.
2. Switzerland
The Swiss brought height or control to vault—but never both at once.
The two smallest Swiss, Eugster (9.55) and Fivian (9.55), show a very high handspring, but miss out on higher scores with a small hop. Stalder, on the other hand, stands very securely, but does not fully extend and receives “only” 9.35.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Die beiden kleinsten Schweizer Eugster (9.55) und Fivian (9.55) zeigen sehr hohe Überschläge, verscherzen sich aber durch kleinen Nachhupf höhere Noten. Stalder wiederum steht sehr sicher, streckt aber nicht voll aus und erhält „nur” 9.35.
Hans Eugster, who received a perfect 10 in 1950, claimed Olympic gold on parallel bars in 1952.
Here’s a description of his routine:
The Swiss confirm the result of the compulsory routine. Eugster wins the gold medal with a large exercise: felge to handstand, Stütz, under-bar basket roll, kip to handstand, again under-bar basket to handstand, then roll backwards, underswing, Stütz and one-armed straddle off the side to a secure landing (9.80).
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Die Schweizer bestätigen das Ergebnis der Pflicht. Eugster erturnt sich mit einer groß vorgetragenen Übung die Goldmedaille: Felgaufschwung zum Handstand, Stützkehre, untere Flugrolle, Schleifkippe zum Handstand, wiederum untere Flugrolle zum Handstand, anschließend Rolle rückwärts, Unterschwung, Stützkehre und einarmiges Abgrätschen in den sicheren Stand (9.80).
According to the Japanese, the Swiss and Germans were better than the rest on high bar.
Switzerland and Germany excelled on high bar, which is considered the highlight of the gymnastics competition, and athletes from all countries perform at a high level, but these two countries stood out in particular. I think we also need to look into skills with more difficulty and grandeur from now on.
Sasano Toshihiko, Japan’s Official Report on the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki
鉄棒ではスイスとドイツの技が優れていた。鉄棒は体操競技の華と云われるだけあつて各国選手とも水準が高いが、特に両国が光つていた。吾々としても今後難易度の高い、スケールの大きい技を研究していかなければならないと思う。
Stalder may have been given a gift for his high bar score.
He tied for silver on high bar with Germany’s Alfred Schwarzmann.
However, the highest score of the day is given to Stalder (9.85), who ends up on the edge of the mat after his well-known middle part: giant backwards, straddle in – from straddle back to the giant [i.e. a Stalder], and after a high somersault with half a turn from reverse grip, he lands unsteadily. Stalder thus regains 2nd place [in the all-around], only 0.15 points behind Chukarin and just as much ahead of Shahinyan.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Die höchste Note des Tages erhält jedoch Stalder (9.85), der nach seinem bekannten Mittelteil: Riesenfelge rückwärts, eingrätschen – aus grätschen wieder zur Riesenfelge nach hohem Salto mit halber Drehung aus dem Kammgriffriesen auf dem Mattenrand endet und unsicher landet. Stalder erobert sich damit den 2. Platz zurück, nur 0.15 Punkte noch hinter Tchoukarin und ebensoviel vor Chaguinian.
3. Finland
The longevity and excellence of veterans Savolainen (FIN) and Schwarzmann (GER), each competing across decades, was revered by the Japanese delegation.
Also, the accomplishments of Savolainen from Finland and Schwarzmann from Germany need to be admired. They must have been both engaged in the competition for 20 years or more, but their skills are indeed exceptional. Savolainen has been in the Olympics since 1928 and Schwarzmann has been in the Olympics since 1936. It has deep meaning to us as well, and I think there are special characteristics of gymnastics in here.
Sasano Toshihiko, Japan’s Official Report on the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki
又フィンランドのサボラィネン、ドイツのシュワルツマンの活躍には敬服する。彼らは何れも競技生活20年以上になるであろうが技は実に素晴らしい。サボライネンは1928年のオリンピック以来の選手であり、シュワルツマンは1936年以来の選手である。この事は吾々としても深く考えさせられるものがある。ここに体操の特質があるとも思われる。
Finnish hopes soared, then crashed as Laitinen fell, Savolainen played it safe, and a near double victory turned into a bittersweet fourth.
Heikki Savolainen, our first gymnastics medalist 24 years earlier, once again came close to winning a medal, as the only Finn in the individual competition. We Finns watched the competition with bated breath, as after the compulsory movements, two of our athletes, Heikki and Kalevi Laitinen, were tied for points with Switzerland’s Günthard. However, to everyone’s disappointment, Kalevi lost his grip during the optional routine, fell to the floor, and our hopes were dashed! Heikki’s turn to perform was immediately after this. Shaken by his teammate’s accident, he probably took his movements more cautiously than usual, his performance lacked the necessary swing, and he ended up 0.15 points short of first place! What a shame. It may well be that Laitinen’s failure cost us a double victory on this apparatus. Günthard took first place, but Stalder and Alfred Schwarzmann, the winner of the Berlin competition, also surpassed Heikki, both winning silver medals. Lindfors’ eighth place in this tight competition was remarkable.
Jukola Martti, Suuri olympiakirja
Heikki Savolainen, ensimmäinen voimistelun mitalimiehemme 24 vuotta aikaisemmin, ylettyi tälläkin kerralla vielä palkinnon tuntumaan ainoana meikäläisenä hen kilökohtaisessa kilpailussa. Jännittyneinä me suomalaiset seurasimme kilpailua rekillä, sillä pakollisten liikkeiden jälkeen kahdella meikäläisellä, Heikillä ja Kalevi Laitisella, oli sama pistemäärä yhdessä Sveitsin Günthardin kanssa. Kaikkien pettymykseksi kuitenkin vapaavalintaisissa Kalevin ote irtosi pujotuksessa, hän putosi permannolle, ja sinne menivät toiveet! Heikin vuoro esiintyä oli heti tämän jälkeen. Toverinsa tapaturmasta säikähtyneenä hän lienee ottanut liikkeensä tavallista enemmän varoen, suorituksiin ei tullut tarpeellista vauhtia, ja 0.15 pistettä jäi erottamaan ensimmäisestä tilasta! Harmillista. Saattoi hyvinkin olla, että Laitisen epäonnistuminen vei meiltä kaksoisvoiton tällä telineellä. Nyt Günthard sijoittui ensimmäiseksi, mutta sen lisäksi vielä Stalder ja Berlinin kisojen otteluvoittaja Alfred Schwartzmann menivät Heikin ohitse saaden hopeaa kumpikin. Lindforsin 8:s sija tässä tiukassa kilpailussa oli huomattava.
4. Germany
According to the Germans, Schwarzmann had the best high bar routine of the day.
Alfred Schwarzmann undoubtedly delivers the best performance on the high bar. It is described elsewhere.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Die beste Leistung am Reck bietet unzweifelhaft Alfred Schwarzmann. Sie ist an anderer Stelle beschrieben.
Here’s the aforementioned “elsewhere”…
Schwarzmann delivered a masterclass that left the crowd breathless and the press holding hands—pure poetry on high bar.
Note: There will be a brief mention of “the war” below. For more context, Schwarzmann served in the military during World War II and received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, the highest military award in Nazi Germany.
And the Germans? The men from the cradle of gymnastics? Schwarzmann, the all-around winner from Berlin, is their centerpiece. He knows the Olympic arena, he knows himself and his equipment. On parallel bars and high bar, he is his old self. This is his world, where every grip is perfect. As he begins his incomparable medal routine, the German experts in the press box hold each other’s hands. They know the routine, they know that it contains a new, very difficult middle section that can only be mastered with the utmost skill.
Heinrich Meusel, the old gymnastics pioneer, watches the exercise with great excitement: “Now a circle in regular grip with a hop to a handstand with underhand grip —successful—pike down, front hip circle, half turn—wonderful, wonderful—now a giant in regular grip, then a quick turn to a front giant —clean, wonderful — straddle Hecht dismount over the bar!” “The whole hall seemed to breathe in unison,” a Finnish reporter later said.
The scoreboards show 9.9 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6. But Alfred Schwarzmann doesn’t even look at them. He walks back, a lone figure who followed his passionate heart and tested his strength once again, someone who had to learn to do gymnastics all over again after the war and his injuries, and who today conquered the Olympic summit for the second time. He walks with the cheers of thousands, each of whom had been pondering their own desires in self-consciousness until then, but who are now all — all of them! — united beyond the trivial, happy thanks to the gift of one man, in harmony between the highest desire and the highest achievement. But the German team is not fighting happily. Only Helmut Bantz achieves his usual form. All of them have their moments of brilliance and demonstrate great skill. Then the eyes of gymnasts from all over the world are on them. But soon low scores follow, difficult to explain, confusing.
Gert Abelbeck, “Männerturnen,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Und die Deutschen? Die Männer aus dem Urstromtal des Turnens? Schwarzmann, der Zwölfkampfsieger von Berlin, ist ihr Mittelpunkt. Er kennt den olympischen Boden, er kennt auch sich und seine Geräte. Am Barren und Reck ist er ganz der Alte. Das ist seine Welt, da sitzt jeder Griff. Wie er zu seiner unvergleichlichen Medaillenkür ansetzt, halten sich die deutschen Fachleute auf der Pressetribüne bei den Händen. Sie kennen die Übung, sie wissen, daß sie einen neuen, sehr schwierigen Mittelteil enthält, der nur mit letzter Meisterschaft gelingen kann.
Höchste Erregung läßt Heinrich Meusel, den alten Turnpionier, stoßweise die Übung begleiten: „Jetzt Felge ristgriffs mit Umspringen zum Handstand kammgriffs — gelungen — einbücken, Umschwung vorwärts, halbe Drehung — herrlich, herrlich — jetzt Riesenfelge ristgriffs, dann rasche Drehung zur Riesenfelge vorwärts — sauber, wunderbar — Riesengrätsche!” „Die ganze Halle schien in einem Rhythmus zu atmen” sagt später ein finnischer Berichterstatter.
Die Tafeln zeigen 9.9 – 9.8 – 9.8 – 9.6. Alfred Schwarzmann aber sieht gar nicht hin. Er geht zurück, ein Einzelner, der seinem heißen Herzen folgend seine Kräfte aufs neue erprobte, einer der nach dem Krieg und nach seinen Verwundungen zunächst einmal wieder turnen lernen mußte und der heute zum zweiten Male den Gipfel olympischer Höhe erstürmte. Er geht mit dem Jubel der Tausende, von denen jeder bis dahin in Befangenheit eigenen Wünschen nachsann, die aber nun alle — einmal alle! — zusammengeschlossen sind über das Unwesentliche hinaus, glücklich durch das Geschenk eines Einzigen, im Zusammenklang von höchstem Wollen und höchstem Vollbringen. Doch die deutsche Mannschaft kämpft nicht glücklich. Nur Helmut Bantz erreicht seine gewohnte Form. Alle haben Höhepunkte und demonstrieren großes Können. Dann sind die Augen der Turner aus der ganzen Welt auf sie gerichtet. Doch bald folgen Tiefpunkte, schwer erklärbar, verwirrend.
5. Japan
The Japanese dazzled the crowd with explosive, seamless tumbling.
Note the Japanese handstand in the description below.
The Japanese win the spectators over to cheers. Uesako: High front somersault, cartwheel, high back somersault, all without intermediate steps (9.60), Takemoto: handstand, lowering while pushing the arms outward until chest and head touch the ground, at the end of the routine three high somersaults one after the other on the spot without intermediate steps (9.65).
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Die Japaner reißen die Zuschauer zu Beifallstürmen hin. Uesako: Hoher Salto vorwärts, Rad, hoher Salto rückwärts, alles ohne Zwischenschwünge (9.60), Takemoto: Handstand, Senken unter Auswärtsschieben der Arme, bis Brust und Kopf den Boden berühren, zum Schluß der Übung drei hohe Salti nacheinander auf der Stelle ohne Zwischenschwung (9.65).
Having only five gymnasts on the team (instead of 8) caught up to the Japanese team on pommel horse.
It’s a shame that it ended with an average score of 9 points or less. I really realized that it is difficult to just have only 5 members in the team.
Sasano Toshihiko, Japan’s Official Report on the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki
平均9点以下の得点に終つたのはおしい、つくづく5名の選手だけのチーム編成では苦しいと思つた。
Unaware of the rules, the Japanese went big on pommel horse, but it didn’t pay off.
The Japanese, in ignorance of the regulations, perform truly mammoth exercises, too much for their strength.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Die Japaner turnen in Unkenntnis der Bestimmungen wahre Mammutübungen, zuviel für ihre Kraft.
On a different type of horse (i.e. a vaulting horse), the Japanese knew they were the best.
On vault, I am confident that our country was superior. However, we should be aware in the future that landing is judged heavily in scoring.
Sasano Toshihiko, Japan’s Official Report on the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki
吊環でもソ連が断然強い、自由問題で平均9.86という得点は驚嘆にあたいする。徹底的にきたえられた超人的強さと評したい。
The Germans agreed.
No team vaults better than the Japanese, the trio of Takemoto (9.60), Ono (9.60) and Uesako (9.55) is simply outstanding. Especially to be admired is the front “stretched stoop” (stoop with support on the croup) by Takemoto, which leads to a safe landing after a wonderful trajectory.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Besser als die Japaner springt keine Mannschaft, das Trio Takemoto (9.60), Ono (9.60 und Uesako (9.55) ist einfach überragend. Besonders zu bewundern ist die vordere „gestreckte Hocke” (Bücke mit Stütz auf dem Kreuz). Takemotos, die nach wundervoller Flugkurve in den sicheren Stand mündet.
The Finnish put it bluntly: The Japanese gymnasts should have won gold — not Chukarin — on vault.
Chukarin won the gold medal in the vault, but only with the help of biased judges. M. Takemoto, who took silver, and bronze medalists Uesako and Ono, all Japanese, were clearly better.
Jukola Martti, Suuri olympiakirja
Hyppyjen kultamitalin vei Tshukarin, mutta vain puolueellisten pistetuomarien avulla. Hopealle sijoittunut M. Takemoto sekä pronssimitalimiehet Uesako ja Ono, kaikki japanilaisia, olivat selvästi paremmat.
Note: During compulsories, there was one Soviet judge (Dmitriev) and one Yugoslav judge (Šuligoj). During optionals, there was one Yugoslav judge (Kujundžić). (Dmitriev judged pommel horse during optionals.)
With only five athletes and no judges, the Japanese team faced an uphill battle against full squads, making this the toughest competition yet.
Next, regarding team composition, due to various circumstances, only the coach and five athletes were dispatched this time. As a result, the competition was extremely difficult. Other countries had eight athletes on their teams, plus two substitutes. In addition, several officials, including judges, participated. Comparing the best 5 among 8 athletes with the best 5 among 5 athletes, we knew that it was going to be a tough competition from the beginning, but in reality, it was the most difficult competition ever. Looking at the results of our competition, I believe that if we had had one or two more athelets in the most challenging events, such as the pommel horse and parallel bars, the results would have been much better. I also believe that the athletes would have had have had less pressure mentally. Furthermore, the fact that we were unable to send judges was also a disadvantage.
Next, regarding the skills, as I wrote in the beginning, I was astonished that the world standard had gotten this high, but I also learned a lot from them at the same time. Their technique has left a deep impression on our memory.
Sasano Toshihiko, Japan’s Official Report on the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki
次にチームの編成であるが、今回はいろいろの事情のため監督と選手5名の派遣であつたが。このため非常に苦しい競技をした。各国チームは8名の編成にさらに2名の補欠をも用意してきていた。その上役員は審判員を加えて数名も参加している状態であつた。選手8名のベスト5と、選手5名のベスト5、苦しい競技になることは初めからわかりきつていたのだが、実際に競技してみてこんなに苦しい競技はなかつた。我等の競技の結果からみても、一番苦しい演技をした鞍馬、平行棒においてあと1，2名の選手が入つていたら、結果も余程よくなつたと思う。選手の精神的なゆとりも出た事と思う。さらに審判員を派遣出来なかつた事も不利益である。
次に技術についてであるが、初めにも述べたように、世界の水準がこのように高くなつているのに驚嘆もしたが非常に得るところも多かつた。彼等の技術は我々の脳裏に深くくい入つている。
The Japanese took notes on everything from scoring quirks to athlete entrances. It turns out that a stadium that claps on cue isn’t just noise; it’s a secret weapon.
We learned a lot as to how to plan for the competition and progress of the performance, entrance and exit of the athletes, how judging is done, how the points are shown, how the records are taken, etc., so we would like to incorporate them to the operation of our country’s competition. Also, when the audience claps their hands according to the athletes’ footsteps as they enter, it enhances the atmosphere of the stadium, which is pleasing to the athletes and also helps with their marching. We have already done this at the National Athletic Meet with the cooperation of the audience, and it has been successful, so we would like to do that at future competitions as well.
Sasano Toshihiko, Japan’s Official Report on the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki
競技の計画演技の進行、選手の入退場、審判のやり方、得点の提示方法、記録の方法についていろいろ学んだので今後我が国の演技の運営に取り入れたい。さらに観衆が選手入場にあたつて歩調にあわせて手で拍手をとるが競技のふんいきもよくなり、選手も気持よく整然と行進ができる。これはすでに国体の観衆に協力してもらつてやつてみたが成功したので今後の競技会で行つていくことにしたい。
The Japanese noticed that the international bar was only going up, and catching it wouldn’t be a weekend hobby.
As I mentioned earlier, I believe the international standard will continue to improve significantly in the future. We cannot sit back and relax even for a day. To master what we have observed this time as our own and even to have our own original technique would not be an ordinary task. In addition, the technique they have acquired is not easy and cannot be mastered in a short time. I believe it is based on an old tradition, on a broad foundation, and obtained only after vigorous training through rivalry. Thus, they have fundamentally solid skills. On the contrary, the techniques that are our own would have been acquired in just a short time for them, so we must make every effort we can. We need to review the gymnastics event from this Olympics, make thorough instructional plans, hold joint practices, research meetings periodically each month, and seek athletes’ strengthening and outreach by training camps of about 10 days or so each in summer and winter. However, even so, we will be left behind if we rely on our domestic practices and research only, so we would like to invite athletes from advanced countries such as Switzerland, Germany, etc., and seek the improvement and outreach of skills. Further, we would like to consider participation in international competitions in the future. As a goal, we would like to dispatch athletes to the world championships to be held in Rome in 1954, research and train thoroughly for the skills, and prepare for the next Olympics.
Sasano Toshihiko, Japan’s Official Report on the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki
前にも述べたように国際水準は今後益々飛躍すると思われる、我々は一日も安閑としておれないような気持がする。このたび学んできた技術を我がものとし、さらに日本独特のものをもつために並大抵の努力ではできない。しかも彼等のもつている技術は短時日では修得できるような容易なものではない。古い伝統の上にたち、広い基盤の上にたち、せつさ琢磨してかちえた技術であると思う。したがつて基本的にしつかりした技をもつている。それに反して我々独特のものといわれる技術は彼等のとつては短時日のうちに修得できる技術であると思うので今後あらゆる努力を払つていかねばならない。今回のオリンピックの体操競技を深く考察して綿密な指導計画をたてて合同の練習会、研究会を毎月定期に開いて行き、さらに夏と冬に各10日間位の合宿練習を行つて選手強化と普及とをはかりたい。しかも国内のみの練習や研究にたよつていてはやはりとり残されていくので、先進国であるスイス、ドイツ等から選手を招へいして、技術の向上と普及をはかりたい。さらに今後国際競技への参加も考えたい。目標としては、1954年ローマにおいて開かれる世界選手権大会に選手を派遣して技術の研究と錬磨をして次回のオリンピックに備えたい。
7. Czechoslovakia
Daniš’s fifth place on parallel bars was the team’s highlight.
From Daniš-Czechoslovakia, which still holds his own in the 5th position of the individual event [i.e. parallel bars], you can see an original start to the routine: from the side, glide to the straddle swing into the straddle support over the bar.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Von Danis-Tschechoslowakei, der sich immer noch in der 5. Position des Einzelkampfes behauptet, sieht man einen originellen Übungsbeginn: Aus dem Seitstand Schleifkippe zum Grätschaufschwung in den Grätschstütz über den Holmen.
And Kolejka ended his rings routine with a double back.
Kolejka of Czechoslovakia ends his routine with a double back (9.40), but is still surpassed by his compatriot Ružička, who receives 9.50 with a lever, felge to a handstand and a long-lasting straight hold.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Kolejka/Tschechoslowakei beendet seine Übung mit einem Doppelsalto (9.40), wird aber noch von seinem Landsmann Ruzicka übertroffen, der mit Hangwaage, Felgaufzug zum Handstand und einer lang andauernden Seitstreckhalte 9.50 erhält.
8. United States of America
On high bar, the U.S. gymnasts brought difficulty that was messy to watch.
The Americans also perform gymnastics that is very difficult and partly novel. Three of them show the unattractive but very difficult somersaults from an el-grip giant.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Auch die Amerikaner turnen sehr schwierig und zum Teil neuartig. Drei von ihnen zeigen den zwar unschön wirkenden, aber doch sehr schwierigen Salto aus dem Ellgriffriesen.
Floor exercise was a different story. Stout managed to tie Thoresson’s top score on floor during optionals.
But the Americans also prove their imagination: Stout starts with Flik-Flak to a layout, a salto with half a turn, rises from the prone position into the free scale, and finishes with a triple Flik-Flak with a stretched somersault. This routine also includes a one-armed handstand, in which the body is angled to the side (9.80 = highest score with Thoresson [i.e. the 1952 Olympic champion on floor]).
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Doch auch die Amerikaner beweisen ihre Phantasie: Stout beginnt mit Flik-Flak zum gestreckten Überschlag, Salto mit halber Drehung, hebt sich aus der Bauchlage in die freie Waage, um nach einem dreifachen Flik-Flak mit gestrecktem Salto rückwärts abzuschließen. In dieser Übung ist noch ein einarmiger Handstand enthalten, bei dem der Körper seitlich abgewinkelt wird (9,80 = höchste Wertung mit Thoresson).
The U.S. men on floor gave a glimpse into the future: the twisting saltos of diving were about to make a splash in the world of gymnastics.
But Beckner also shows original transitions. After that, it won’t be long and the twisting saltos known from diving will make their way into the gymnasiums. He brings a “cartwheel” with half a turn without putting his hands down (9.25). Simms impresses with a backwards salto, followed by a forward salto without an intermediate step. (9.20). Especially the young gymnastics nations (Japan, Sweden, America) now seem to be finally filling floor exercise with new content.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Aber auch Beckner zeigt originelle Verbindungen. Danach wird es nicht mehr lange dauern und die vom Wasserspringen her bekannten Schraubensprünge werden ihren Einzug in die Turnhallen halten. Er bringt ein „Rad” mit halber Drehung ohne Aufsetzen der Hände (9.25). Simms imponiert mit einem Salto rückwärts, dem er ohne Zwischenschwung einen Salto vorwärts folgen läßt. (9.20). Gerade die jungen Turnnationen (Japan, Schweden, Amerika) scheinen das Bodenturnen nun endgültig mit neuen Inhalten zu füllen.
17. Sweden
I’d like to point out that the gold medal routine from Thoresson had a pirouette in relevé.
Sweden wins the gold medal [on floor] with Thoresson (9.80), a very young, magnificently grown boy. His routine includes, among other things, a headspring with half a turn and then a high jump into a handstand, a pirouette on the tips of the feet, and finally, after a triple Flik-Flak, a high, completely stretched back somersault to a bomb-proof stand.
Gert Abelbeck, “VON GERÄT ZU GERÄT,” Germany’s Official Report on the Helsinki Olympics
Schweden gewinnt durch Thoresson (9.80), einen blutjungen, prächtig gewachsenen Burschen, die Goldmedaille. Seine Übung enthält u. a. eine Kopfkippe mit halber Drehung und anschließendem hohen Sprung in den Handstand, eine Pirouette auf den Fußspitzen und zum Schluß nach einem dreifachen Flik-Flak einen hohen vollkommen gestreckten Überschlag rückwärts zum bombensicheren Stand.
India
Two Indian gymnasts marched alongside the English team and captured the hearts of the audience. Amid thunderous applause, India’s sports pioneers looked ahead, proud and determined that one day their names would top the scoreboard too.
Note: This article uses several racial and ethnic stereotypes. Nevertheless, I am included a section of the article because we do not often hear about the gymnasts from growing gymnastics programs.
Twelve times you could see them, the two dark-skinned Indians, when they marched together with the English team for the compulsory and optional routines. It was possible to communicate in English with Vir Singh, the school teacher from New Delhi, but police sergeant Kushi Ram speaks only Hindustani. So a lively sign language game develops when you want to ask him to do gymnastics, and the Indian is immediately the center of attention. He wears sideburns, and through the girlish long, dark hair he wraps a white ribbon that ends on his head in a flower. Despite his elegant form, he is not a gymnastic revelation, but you are immediately ready to forgive him everything. Kushi became the No. 1 favorite among gymnasts from all over the world.
[…]
But wherever they appear, a wave of enthusiasm hits them. Only once did the great Messuhalli unite to form a hurricane when Schwarzmann ended his royal high bar. There is hardly any less applause among Indians. The crowd cheerfully applauds the masters and the last of the last. If it applies there to high performance, it is here the brave first step of a nation that has come to see and learn.
In the middle of the audience sits Mr. Rameshwar Dayal from the National Stadium in New Delhi, the Secretary General of the Indian Gymnastics Association and captain of the Indian team in Helsinki. With just a few words in the best English, he refutes that it must be embarrassing to appear before this world forum of sport with such a low performance. “In my country, sport is only at the beginning of its development,” he says. “We are proud that two gymnasts took part and that Pinto came in the 100m intermediate run and Dhanoa in the 800m decision. One day, perhaps, the tremendous applause that the sportspeople up here gave to the last of the last, Kushi Ram, will go to an Indian at the other end of the table. We’re on our way…”
Elena Gerhardt, “KUSHI RAM, DER LETZTEDER LETZTEN”
Zwölfmal konnte man sie sehen, die beiden dunkelhäutigen Inder, wenn sie zusammen mit dem englischen Team zu den Pflicht- und Kürübungen aufmarschierten. Mit Vir Singh, dem Schullehrer aus New Delhi konnte man sich englisch verständigen, aber Polizeiwachtmeister Kushi Ram spricht nur Hindostanisch. Also entwickelt sich ein lebhaftes Gebärdenspiel, wenn man ihn zum Turnen auffordern will, und der Inder steht sofort im Mittelpunkt des Interesses. Er trägt einen Backenbart, und durch das mädchenhaft lange, dunkle Haar schlingt er ein weißes Band, das auf dem Kopf in einer Blüte. endet. Trotz seiner eleganten Gestalt ist er keine turnerische Offenbarung, aber man ist sofort bereit, ihm alles zu verzeihen. Kushi entwickelte sich zum Publikumsliebling Nr. 1 der Turner aus aller Welt.
[…]
Wo sie aber auch auftauchen, eine Welle der Begeisterung schlägt ihnen entgegen. Nur einmal vereinte sich die große Messuhalli zu einem Orkan, als Schwarzmann seine königliche Reckübung beendete. Bei den Indern ist der Beifall kaum geringer. Den Meistern und den Letzten der Letzten spendet die Menge freudig Beifall. Gilt er dort der hohen Leistung, so hier dem tapferen ersten Schritt einer Nation, die gekommen ist zu sehen und zu lernen.
Mitten im Publikum sitzt Mr. Rameshwar Dayal vom National Stadion in New-Delhi, der Generalsekretär des indischen Gymnastikverbandes und in Helsinki Kapitän der indischen Mannschafts. Mit wenigen Worten in bestem Englisch widerlegt er, daß es doch peinlich sein müsse, mit einer so geringen Leistung vor diesem Weltforum des Sports zu erscheinen. ,,In meinem Land steht der Sport erst am Anfang seiner Entwicklung”, sagt er. „Wir sind stolz, daß zwei Turner teilgenommen haben und daß Pinto in den 100 m-Zwischenlauf und Dhanoa in die 800 m-Entscheidung kam. Eines Tages wird vielleicht der ungeheure Beifall, den das Sportvolk hier oben dem Letzten der Letzten, Kushi Ram, spendete, einem Inder am anderen Ende der Tabelle gelteri. Wir sind auf dem Wege ….. “
Appendix: Official Results
Here’s the official results sheet for the men’s competition.
More on 1952