Irina Devina

Irina Devina (Russian: Ирина Девина; born 8 May 1959 in Zhukovsky, Moscow Oblast Russia SSR, Soviet Union) is retired Soviet rhythmic gymnast who has competed both as an individual and in group. She is a (1979, 1977) World Champion in Group all-around[1] and won the 1981 USSR Championships in all-around.[2]

Irina Devina
Country represented Soviet Union
Born (1959-05-08) 8 May 1959
Zhukovsky, Moscow Oblast Russia SSR, Soviet Union
HometownZhukovsky
DisciplineRhythmic gymnastics
Levelelite
Head coach(es)Nina Shibaeva
Retiredyes
Medal record
Representing  Soviet Union
Rhythmic gymnastics
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1977 BaselGroup all-around
Gold medal – first place 1979 LondonGroup all-around
Gold medal – first place 1981 MunichRibbon
Bronze medal – third place 1981 MunichClubs
European Championships
Silver medal – second place 1982 Stavanger Rope
Bronze medal – third place 1982 Stavanger Clubs
Bronze medal – third place 1982 Stavanger Hoop
World Cup Final
Bronze medal – third place1983 BelgradeRibbon
Bronze medal – third place1983 BelgradeHoop
USSR Championships
Gold medal – first place1981 KievAll-around
Gold medal – first place1981 KievHoop
Gold medal – first place1981 KievClubs
Gold medal – first place1982 TallinnHoop
Gold medal – first place1982 TallinnClubs
Silver medal – second place1981 KievRibbon
Silver medal – second place1982 TallinnAll-around
Silver medal – second place1982 TallinnRibbon
Bronze medal – third place1982 TallinnRope

Career

Devina was an elegant and technical gymnast who started gymnastics at 6 years of age. She is twice World Champion as member the Soviet group that won the all-around gold in 1977 and 1979 (in Basel and London).

She began competing as an individual at the beginning of the 1980s, a time of the uprise and domination of the Golden Girls of Bulgaria of her generation (Iliana Raeva, Anelia Ralenkova, Lilia Ignatova, Diliana Gueorguieva) limiting her competitive victories, nevertheless Devina won gold in ribbon at the 1981 World Championships and finished 4th in all-around, the highest ranked Soviet. She also came in 4th in all-around at the 1982 Europeans. In 1983, Devina competed with teammate Dalia Kutkaitė at the inaugural World Cup Final held in Belgrade, she took two bronze medals in hoop and ribbon.[3]

Devina won the 1981 USSR Championships in all-around ahead of silver medalist Venera Zaripova, she also won the all-around silver at the 1982 USSR Championships held in Tallinn behind Dalia Kutkaitė.

After completing her competitive career, Devina married famous Soviet Olympic Pentathlon athlete, Vasily Neffedov. She now lives in Moscow, Russia and briefly taught as a coach being a holder of Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Influence

Devina was the first rhythmic gymnast to perform a penché pivot turn.

References
  1. Sports org Bio
  2. 1981 USSR Championships
  3. 1983 World Cup Final


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