Episode 17: Growing Up In The Soviet Gymnastics System And Training At Round Lake

This week we interview Canadian and NCAA champion, Lena Degteva. Lena was born in the mid-70’s in Lvov, Ukraine and later immigrated to Canada. The daughter of two gymnastics coaches, she quite literally grew up running around the famed Soviet national gymnastics training center at Lake Krugloye, affectionately known as,”Round Lake.” In 1989, Lena became the Soviet Junior National Champion and an official athlete-in-residence, training alongside greats like Chusovitina and Gutsu at Round Lake.

Lena Degteva is now a professional stylist based in Los Angeles. She is still connected to her gymnastics roots as a choreographer and custom leotard designer. She answers all of our deepest, darkest and most ridiculous Sovietophile gymnerd questions.

Here’s a look at what Round Lake was like around the time Lena was training there (1991).

Katy and Lauren answered our call for positive gymnastics stories. Read the full letters here. They are guaranteed to make you smile and warm your heart.

Beth Tweddle on wedgies and her bum.

Gymnastics Zone’s discussion on rips and Jess’s Athletic Trainers description of her zinc oxide cure can be read here.

The Couch Gymnast’s full coverage of Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

Uncle Tim’s NCAA Bingo!

Burlington Gymnastics, in Canada to host Masters Gymnastics World Championships in March for adults.

2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival – Team – Catherine Lyons (GBR)

Ponor’s double layout beam dismount into the pit.

MyKayla Skinner Double Double Layout

Bridget Sloan of Florida on Floor Jan.18.2013 vs Missouri

Spanny’s pick for “Birds Nest” of the Week

Spanny’s “Nice Try Choreography” of the Week

Bekah’s Get a Grip Gymblog’s Vlog Weekly NCAA Recap