Gymnastic Youth Dominated the Top Ranks Rude Pravo, 24 October 1977
Mareckova Ahead of Cerna
The CSSR gymnastics championships, which took place in Ostrava over three days, brought an unexpected title to Eva Mareckova of Detva, ahead of 14-year-old Vera Cerna from Brno, on Saturday. Our leading gymnasts first introduced themselves to the spectators as they performed the mandatory exercises for Moscow 1980. The main favorites were Holkovicova and Lickova from Prague and Cerna from Brno. Although the age limit for gymnasts was set at 14 years, Mareckova (age 13) took part with the approval of the team doctor and the chairman of the gymnastics federation. This decision was correct. Mareckova is an extraordinary talent and, together with Cerna and a few other young gymnasts, is a great hope for our flag for the next Olympic Games.
The competition was extraordinary and reaffirmed that we are growing a new generation whose strength will elevate our gymnastics to the highest world level. Cerna (Zbrojovka Brno) had a great start. After the compulsory competition, she was leading her teammate Bizdrova and Holkovicova (Sparta). Both of them were 0.5 points behind Cerna. The fourth ranking after the compulsory round was Lickova (Vrsovice 1870), 0.9 points behind, and Mareckova, 0.95 points behind.
After the optional competition, Cerna consolidated her leading position, but Mareckova and Bizdrova started their attack for the top spot. These three competitors were able to concentrate in a nervous atmosphere and performed their routines confidently and without serious jitters. Optional routines were marked by many crashes, especially on beam where some of the favorites fell, including Holkovicova. The line ups shuffled, but Cerna won 1st place, 1.45 points ahead of Mareckova and 2.05 points ahead of Bizdrova.
Twelve gymnasts fought their way into the final fight for the title of CSSR absolute champion: Cerna (Zbrojovka Brno), Mareckova (Detva), Bizdrova (Zbrojovka Brno), Holkovicova (Sparta), Lickova (Vrsovice 1870), Cernohousova (Zbrojovka Brno) Crlova (B. Ostrava), Sauerova (Zbrojovka Brno), Pitauerova (Bratislava), Peleskova (Sparta), and Gajdosova (Bratislava).
While Mareckova continued her successful series, showing a high level on all disciplines, the leader Cerna had 2 setbacks on beam, resulting in a big loss of points and ultimately the loss of the all-around title. Both young competitors deserve admiration for their fighting spirit and great performances. And hats off to their coaches, Zilcak of Detva and Hudeckova of Brno, who managed to develop their gymnasts' talents in such an excellent way. Let's mention Mareckova's scores: vault 9.7, beam 9.75, bars 9.55, floor 9.70. Holkovicova also performed well and won the bronze medal, while Bizdrova had an unfortunate injury. Third after compulsories and optionals, she injured her ankle on vault and had to withdraw from the competition.
In event finals, the two best gymnasts, Mareckova and Cerna, divided the final gold medals evenly. Holkovicova was injured and didn't take part in the event finals.
The coaching team has proposed these gymnasts to the team to prepare for international competitions: Mareckova, Cerna, Holkovicova, Sauerova, Lickova, Vajdisova, Crlova, Peleskova, Bizdrova, and Brydlova.