World class - but they never competed at a World Championships ...

They were brilliant, but did not make it to their final national teams for the World Championships, thanks to the sheer strength in depth of the Soviet team, or because they peaked too young.

Enjoy a few of the best gymnasts never seen at World level - perhaps you would like to suggest a few more of your own?

Yulia Kut, floor exercise, 1987



Nadezhda Ivanova, beam, 2004



Tatiana Kim, Floor, 1981



Alevtina Pryakhina, beam, 1986 - pity about that dismount



Irina Viatinina, floor, 1988



Ekaterina Vandisheva, beam, 1993