Of course, the
Russian gymnast Svetlana Khorkina does not need a special introduction, since the regalia and titles she won put her name on the highest step in her sports career. She became the three-time European champion, and three times took first place in world competitions - no one had received such regalia before her. The athlete also received numerous awards for sports achievements, including the Order of Friendship (1997), the Order of Honor (2001), and the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, IV degree (2006). And this is far from all of her merits.
That is why the biography of Svetlana Khorkina deserves a separate review to understand how she managed to achieve such dizzying heights in the sports field.
Biography
The future celebrity was born in the city of Belgorod on January 19, 1979 in an ordinary family. Her father was a simple worker, and her mother was a nurse in a hospital. In sports, the girl was given at the age of four. In childhood, Svetlana Khorkina was a mobile child, from which energy simply “was in full swing.” The future sports star could spend days playing with the boys on the street. Once the girl fell ill, and the doctor recommended her to go in for sports. Sveta's parents opted for gymnastics. Very soon, the girl began to make progress, for which she received praises from her coach Boris Pilkin, who immediately saw in the stubborn little girl the vocation to be an athlete. At the competitions among children she was the best. After this, preparations began for Khorkina for the Olympic Games. As a result, she was offered to play for the country at international competitions. Then she was only 13 years old.
After that, a new milestone came in the life of Svetlana. Khorkina suddenly felt the whole burden of responsibility that was placed on her, she realized that she could not fail her country, her parents, her coach. The girl at that moment realized that she herself no longer belonged to herself. However, the future star of Russian sports did not forget that she has a personal life. The future professional athlete still managed in the interval between training and competition to communicate with friends and search for her soul mate. Gymnast Svetlana Khorkina, in addition to being a stubborn and purposeful person, is also an attractive and extravagant woman.
Ascent to Olympus
In the period from 1993 to 1998, she won the titles of champion of Russia, Europe and the world in various gymnastic disciplines.
At the Olympic Games in the USA, which took place in 1996, she received a gold medal for exercise on the parallel bars and a silver medal in the team all-around. Previously, the palm belonged to Chinese gymnasts, who were the best in parallel exercises.
It is noteworthy that at the very beginning the coach doubted the success of Svetlana, because she is tall, which is not the best quality for a gymnast. However, Khorkina was persistent in her desire to participate in international competitions and made every effort to train. And the mentor could not help but notice such perseverance and desire, so he began to think about what training method would be best for Svetlana. As a result, elements that no one had previously performed were declared for exercises on the uneven bars, and Khorkina coped brilliantly with them.
Her industriousness and perseverance helped her in 1999 to get gold at the World Championship for exercises on the uneven bars. A year later, at the Sydney Olympics, she was again the first on the uneven bars and the second in floor exercises and team all-around.
For her services in the gymnastic disciplines, she was awarded the title of Honored Master of Sports of Russia in gymnastics.
Personal life
Everyone will agree that the beautiful and charming Svetlana Khorkina, whose personal life is carefully hidden from the press, cannot but have a gentleman. However, it is known that the athlete is not married. She has a child whom she brings up alone. However, the gymnast in one of the interviews stated that she has a full-fledged family.
Svetlana Khorkina, whose personal life is known only to her mother, does not tire of repeating that the main man in her life is her son. She is happy that she has such parents who have done a lot for her to take place in life.
Political activity
Today, Svetlana Khorkina’s work schedule is scheduled by the minute, as she leads an active lifestyle. Politics also belongs to her areas of interest. She is a member of the United Russia party, as well as a deputy of the lower house of the fifth parliament of the Russian parliament.
“There is much in common between sport and politics. Everywhere you need to set goals and do your best to achieve them, ”says the gymnast.
She currently holds the post of assistant to the head of the youth affairs committee in the Russian State Duma. At the same time, the athlete said that she went into politics not for the money, which she already has enough, but in order to defend the rights of young citizens of our country. And she has already provided real help to the youth of her hometown of Belgorod. The sports complex of Svetlana Khorkina is always open for young men and women who love aqua aerobics, kickboxing and football.
Hobbies
The gymnast likes to drive a car, she likes to shop, she enjoys playing billiards. Svetlana is an honorary citizen of the city of Belgorod.
Svetlana Khorkina writes books on gymnastic exercises: “Gymnastics for body and soul”, “Kulbit on stilettos”. She released a collection of her own songs.
The athlete also tried her hand at the theater, playing in the play "Venus", which was directed by Sergey Vinogradov.
Svetlana received invitations to play roles in the movies, however, she has not yet decided on this, expecting that an interesting script will be written for her, and then she will agree. However, she is considering the option of starring in some series. Also in her plans - to sew exclusive sportswear - she even came up with her own logo. In addition, the athlete intends to become a presenter on television. She starred on the cover of the glossy Playboy magazine.
Once again about the merits
Svetlana Khorkina can be proud of her achievements. She won 12 gold medals, 3 times became the champion of Europe and the world. Moreover, she is a Honored Master of Sports of Russia in gymnastics and a candidate of pedagogical sciences. Novice athletes have someone to take an example from!