As 48-Year-Old Oksana Chusovitina Misses Out on Olympic Qualification at Baku, Here’s a Look at the Possible Path Ahead

Oksana Chusovitina, the Uzbekistan gymnastics star has made waves across the industry over her persistent presence in the sports. The 48-year-old made her first notable impression on the world when she blazed through the 1992 Olympics for a team gold. Now, 31 years, 2 medals, and 8 Olympic appearances later, the gymnast has ensured not to forgo a chance to land her record-tying 9th appearance at the games.

Oksana Chusovitina had previously stated her plans to retire following her 2020 Olympic qualification. However, returning to training the very next year, the gymnast has set on the path to adding yet another Olympics to her name. Through challenges and through triumphs, Chusovitina remains resilient for the opportunity ahead.

A narrow path for Oksana Chusovitina

Entering 2023, Oksana Chusovitina had 3 opportunities to secure herself a spot at the 2024 Olympics. The first of the lot arrived at Worlds last year wherein, the gymnast needed to place 14th or higher. However, failing to meet the requirement, the 3-time World gold medalist’s choices remained limited to her performances at the FIG World Cup series and one other. The last of former Chusovitina missed out on by a minor margin at Baku.

For the World Cup Series, Oksana Chusovitina had registered in 3 stops. The Olympian finished ninth, one spot away from the final in Cairo with an average of 12.999 on vault. Having slipped the chances then and at Cottbus, Baku was one last hope at the World Series. However, the gymnast finished 23rd in the vault with 12.083, moving away from the two quotas available.

The results thus now lead Oksana Chusovitina to her final run at the Asian Gymnastics Championships. The showcase will be presented in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 24th to 26th May. The task, however, will prove difficult for the gymnast who will need to best her opponents in all-around. More so, because Chusovitina has only ever competed in all-around just once since the 2019 Worlds. But the Uzbek seems ready for a challenge.

One last dream

Across her about 25-year career, Oksana Chusovitina has represented the Soviet Union, Germany, Uzbekistan, and even the CIS. All through the journey, the Olympian played for the love of the sport and for the presentation of her skills; answering every knock on her door. But returning from her initial retirement, the 48-year-old has just one more goal to fulfill: a medal for her homeland, Uzbekistan.

Also Read: “Fighting for the Rest”: 48-Year-Old Legendary Gymnast Sacrifices 9th Olympics Spot for Younger Generation

“I would like to leave with a medal for Uzbekistan,” she told Olympics.com. Oksana Chusovitina has earned two Olympic medals in her career. A team gold in 1992, representing Soviet Union, and an individual silver on Vault during 2008 Beijing, representing Germany. Thus, an important path lay ahead for the resilient dreaming big.

Read More: Is Delaying Athletes’ Senior Status a Fair Move by the Gymnastics Federation?