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Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty
Henry M. Robert

WHEN YOUR MOTHER IS A JUDGE

13 November, 2012 - 00:00

A prestigious calisthenics tournament ended in Corbeil-Essones (France), with the Ukrainian team placing first. But was it a team victory? There were two calisthenics stars present: Kateryna Serebrianska, 1996 Olympic champion, and 1997 world champion Olena Vitrychenko. There is little love lost between them and the media has long made this public knowledge. In addition, victories in sports are determined by referees. This tournament was judged, among others, by Liubov Serebrianska and it was her turn when her daughter performed. Kateryna won. But then Nina Vitrychenko’s daughter appeared (two-time winner in the event). Nina later said that Olena’s arrival took the organizers completely unawares, but barring a world champion access would not look right.

Olena stepped onto the platform courageously, but knowing who the referee was produced a negative psychological effect. She made several mistakes with the Indian clubs and lost to Yana Batyrshina from Russia, placing Serebrianska second and Vitrychenko fourth.

The next day 15 top gymnasts from the first day vied for the Grand Prix in Corbeil-Essones. Olena took the lead after three exercises but erred in the final performance, giving up first place to Serebrianska. Nina Vitrychenko is convinced that the referee was biased.

All this leaves one wondering how long will daughters’ athletic prowess depend on whose mother acts as umpire. And it is high time the two ended their confrontation because it is hurting Ukraine.

Photo by Volodymyr Rasner, The Day:

For Olena Vitrychenko Iryna Deriuhina is like a second mother

 

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