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Elena Mukhina

Elena Vyacheslavovna Mukhina was a Soviet artistic gymnast best known for winning the women’s all-around title at the 1978 World Championships.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Elena Vyacheslavovna Mukhina was a Soviet artistic gymnast best known for winning the women’s all-around title at the 1978 World Championships. Her career ended after a severe training accident in 1980 left her permanently paralysed, and she died in 2006 at age 46.

Early life and career

Mukhina was born in Moscow in 1960 and rose to prominence as a Soviet artistic gymnast. She became world all-around champion in 1978 and was known for highly difficult, innovative routines.

The 1980 injury

In July 1980, while training a Thomas salto before the Moscow Olympics, Mukhina crashed on landing and suffered a severe cervical spine injury. The accident left her paralysed for the rest of her life.

Later life and death

After the injury, Mukhina lived with quadriplegia until her death in Moscow in 2006. Sources describe her death as resulting from complications of her condition.

Legacy in gymnastics

Mukhina is remembered for both her competitive success and the difficulty of the skills she performed. The floor element known as the Mukhina is named after her and reflects her influence on the sport.

Key facts

  • Won the women’s all-around title at the 1978 World Championships in Strasbourg.
  • In 1980, she suffered a catastrophic training accident while attempting the Thomas salto, which broke her neck and left her permanently paralysed.
  • She died in Moscow on 22 December 2006, aged 46.
  • A floor element named the Mukhina is associated with her.
  • She also debuted new elements at the 1978 World Championships, including a full-twisting layout Korbut flip on bars and a full-twisting double back salto on floor.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Elena Mukhina?
Elena Mukhina was a Soviet artistic gymnast who won the 1978 World Championships all-around title and became known for her innovative high-difficulty routines.
What happened to Elena Mukhina?
In 1980, she suffered a catastrophic training accident while attempting the Thomas salto, which broke her neck and left her permanently paralysed.
How did Elena Mukhina die?
She died in Moscow on 22 December 2006; sources describe the cause as complications of quadriplegia or her long-term condition after the injury.
What was Elena Mukhina's injury?
She suffered a severe cervical spine injury, commonly described as a broken neck, after landing badly on the Thomas salto. The injury left her quadriplegic.
How old was Elena Mukhina when she died?
She was 46 years old when she died on 22 December 2006.
What gymnastics move did Elena Mukhina invent?
The floor exercise element associated with her is the Mukhina, a never-before-seen combination salto at the time. She also debuted a full-twisting layout Korbut flip on bars and a full-twisting double back salto on floor at the 1978 Worlds.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elena_Mukhina
    Supports: Birth and death dates, world all-around title, injury context, and named elements associated with Mukhina.
  2. RT — https://www.rt.com/sport/414212-elena-mukhina-life-story/
    Supports: Training accident details, paralysis, and death at age 46.
  3. International Gymnastics Hall of Fame — https://www.ighof.com/inductees/2021_Yelena_Mukhina.php
    Supports: Career achievements, debut of new elements, and death due to complications of quadriplegia.
  4. RT — https://www.rt.com/sport/543947-elena-mukhina-tragic-tale-soviet-gymnast/
    Supports: Thomas salto accident, later ban in women’s gymnastics, and legacy details.