Countries That Were Bigger In Gymnastics Earlier Than They Are Now

We all know that there are the countries we know about like USA, Russia, Great Britain or Romania. But what about those countries we never talk about like Ukraine? Well, let me tell you something fans, once upon a time, they were a big name in the 1990s. I have been watching gymnastics from the 1990s-2000s, and there are some countries in that era that we dont talk about that were big back then. 

Ukraine- As you have read this, you are probably like: Ukraine has a gymnastics program? And let me respond, yes they do. They do have a gymnastics program. They were SUPER big in the years leading up to the 96 Games, they were actually in the big four. Thats right, they were in a group that is practically unbreakable in this era of gymnastics. They even contended for the gold medals in the team competitions. You always saw them fighting for a podium spot in every aspect. Team, All-Around, Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor you name it. Ukraine was there. Their peak came in 1996 when a younggirl  named Lilia Podkeyeva made the Ukrainian Olympic team. Lilia was known by then, she had won her fair share of titles, including the 1995 World Championships in the all around and vault. Lilia was a true all arounder. She did not have a weak event. She was good everywhere, from the power events like vault and floor, to the grace and artistry events like bars and beam. She coupled the grace and artistry with the power. What made Lilia so unique, and still does to this day, is that she did no back tumbling, it was all front. And she did it so well. In addition for winning the 1996 Olympic All-Around for her country, she won the floor finals. Lilia was amazing, and was one of my FAVORITE gymnasts.

France- We have seen France at the Olympics in 2012, but only in qualifying. But back in the 2004 Games, and well before that, France was a power. In 2004, Emilie Le Pennec won the uneven bars, and France made the team finals. I was fascinated by Le Pennec when she debuted her bars set and made history for her country. But unfortunately, just like Ukraine, France has lost its spark and power in the last couple of years.

Spain- Spain was also up there. Believe it or not, they once beat the USA, of course this was before the USA became what it is now, but I was still shocked as I watched the tri meet competition. I then realized that Spain, once upon a time, was a significant force.

Even though there are more less known countries, these were the most surprising I could find. As I go back in the years of gymanstics, I will modify this post. But for now, here is my first post for awhile!!!!