Elena Mukhina

Gymnast

Birthday June 1, 1960

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace Russia

DEATH DATE Dec 22, 2006 (46)

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About

Gymnastics prodigy who tragically broke her neck while practicing a dangerous move, just two weeks before the Olympics, and shortly after her 20th birthday.

Before Fame

She won three gold medals and two silver medals at the 1978 World Championships.

Trivia

Her injury resulted in her becoming a quadriplegic, and the move that she had been injured attempting - the Thomas salto - was removed from the women's competition.

Family Life

She was raised by her grandmother, Anna Ivanova, because her parents died when she was very young.

Associated With

She was often led by Soviet Women's Gymnastics director Larisa Latynina.