The Silver Stars of the Floor Exercise
The floor exercise is one of the most exciting and expressive events in women’s artistic gymnastics. It requires a combination of power, agility, grace, and musicality, as well as a high level of creativity and personality. Floor has witnessed some of the most spectacular and impressive performances in the history of the sport. In this article, we celebrate the silver medalists of floor, who have shown their excellence and dedication on the 40-by-40-foot mat.
The first World Championships included in the above video was held in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1962. The silver medal went to Irina Pervushina of the Soviet Union, who was one of the first gymnasts to perform acrobatic elements on the floor.
The next silver medalist on floor was Věra Čáslavská of Czechoslovakia, who, in 1966 was the current Olympic champion, and a captivating floor worker, who draw you in with every performance.
In 1970, it was the Soviet Olga Karasyova who climbed to the second step of the podium.
The 1974 World Championships was in Varna, Bulgaria, The silver medal went to Olga Korbut of the Soviet Union, who was one of the most popular and innovative gymnasts of all time, captivating the world with her charisma and originality.
The 1979 World Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, was the first to be held in the United States. The silver medal went to Nellie Kim of the Soviet Union, who was one of the most successful and versatile gymnasts of her generation.
The 1981 World Championships in Moscow, Soviet Union, was the first to introduce the compulsory and optional rounds. The silver medal went to Elena Davydova of the Soviet Union, who was one of the most dynamic and powerful gymnasts of her time.
The 1983 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary saw the rise of a new Soviet star, Olga Mostepanova, one of the most elegant and artistic gymnasts of her time. Mostepanova won four gold medals and a silver medal at the 1983 World Championships, where she was the all-around champion. She also won four gold medals and a silver medal at the 1984 Alternate Olympics, where she scored four perfect 10s.
In 1985, the World Championships were in Montreal, Canada. The silver medal went to Elena Shushunova of the Soviet Union, who was one of the most powerful and dynamic gymnasts of her time. Shushunova won two gold medals and a silver medal at the 1985 World Championships, where she was the all-around champion.
The 1987 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands, were mostly dominated by the Romanian team. The silver medal went to Daniela Silivaș of Romania, who was one of the most dominant and consistent gymnasts of her era. Silivaș scored 19.975 points, just behind Elena Shushunova, who won the gold with 20.000 points.
The 1989 World Championships in Stuttgart, West Germany, was the first to include the new life scoring system. The silver medal went to Ji Liya of China, who was one of the most graceful and expressive gymnasts of her time.
The 1992 World Championships in Paris, France, was the first to be held in an Olympic year. The silver medal went to Henrietta Ónodi of Hungary, who Zmeskal of the United States, one of the most popular and charismatic gymnasts of her time. Ónodi performed to the music from the movie West Side Story.
The 1993 World Championships in Birmingham, United Kingdom, was the first to in a include gymnasts from the countries that were created out of the breakout of the Soviet Union. The silver medal went to Gina Gogean of Romania, who was one of the most reliable and steady gymnasts of her time.
The 1994 World Championships in Brisbane, Australia, saw the silver medal go to Lavinia Miloșovici of Romania, who was one of the most powerful and explosive gymnasts of her time, and the last gymnast to receive a perfect 10 of floor (at the Barcelona 1992 Olympics).
The 1995 World Championships in Sabae, Japan, was the first to be held in Asia. The silver medal went to Ji Liya of China, who was one of the most graceful and expressive gymnasts of her time. Ji scored 9.850 points.
The 1997 World Championships were in Lausanne, Switzerland. The silver medal went to Svetlana Khorkina of Rusia.
In 1999 the World Championships were held in Tianjin, China. The silver medal went to Simona Amânar of Romania, who was one of the most consistent and reliable gymnasts of her time.
The 2001 World Championships in Ghent, Belgium. The silver medal went to Daniele Hypólito of Brazil, who was the first Brazilian woman to win a medal on the floor at the World Championships. Hypólito scored 9.762 points.
Watch the video above to find out who were the most recent silver medal winners on floor.