Larisa Semyonovna Latynina is a former Soviet artistic gymnast. In 1956 and 1964, she won 14 individual Olympic medals and four team medals. She holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals by a male or female gymnast with 9.
Awards List:
2002: Ukrainian Star Award
1998: International Gymnastics Hall of Fame
1966: World Championships silver in the team competition
1965: European Championships silver medals in all-around, uneven bars, beam, and floor exercises; bronze medal in the vault
1964: USSR Championships silver medal in all-around, Olympic gold medal in the team competition and floor exercises; silver medal in all-around and vault; bronze medal in uneven bars and beam
1962: World Championship gold medals in team, all-around, and floor exercises; silver in vault and beam; bronze in uneven bars
1961: USA-USSR meet gold medal in team and all-around
1960: Soviet Badge of Honor
1958: World Championship gold medals in the team competition, all-around, floor exercises, uneven bars, and beam; silver in the vault
1957: Order of Lenin, European Championship gold medals in all-around, vault, uneven bars, beam, and floor exercises
1956: Olympic gold medals in the team competition, all-around, vault, floor exercises; silver medal in uneven bars
Questions About Larisa Latynina
Why is Larisa Latynina famous?
Larisa Latynina, in full Larisa Semyonovna Latynina, Soviet gymnast who was the first woman athlete to win nine Olympic gold medals and was one of the most decorated competitors in the history of the Games.
Who was the first female Olympian to win a gold medal?
Helene de Pourtales
How many Olympic Games did Larisa Latynina compete in?
Latynina completed her competitive career by winning six medals in each of the three Olympics, in which she took part. Larisa Latynina was a Head Coach of the Soviet team from 1967 to 1977.