Oleksandr Beresch

Oleksandr Beresch (Ukrainian: Олександр Береш) (October 12, 1977, Pervomaisk – February 29, 2004, Kiev), was a gymnast from Ukraine and Olympic medallist at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Oleksandr Beresch
Country represented Ukraine
Born(1977-10-12)October 12, 1977
DiedFebruary 29, 2004(2004-02-29) (aged 26)
DisciplineMen's artistic gymnastics

Coached by former Soviet World Champion Igor Korobchinsky, Beresch began competing internationally for Ukraine in 1997, winning a bronze medal on the high bar at his first World Championships. Over the next several years he became the preeminent male gymnast on the Ukrainian team, medalling at the World Cup several times.

Beresch's breakout year was 2000; in this year he was the European all-around and high bar champion, as well as the bronze all-around medalist at the 2000 Olympics. His contributions to the Ukrainian team helped them win their first team medal, a silver, in Sydney. He continued to turn in strong performances after the Olympics, winning three medals at the 2001 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and winning the high bar gold at the 2000 World finals in Paris.

Accident

In February 2004, when Beresch was driving through Kiev, his Peugeot was struck by a speeding car travelling at over 150 kilometres per hour. He was killed; his passenger, teammate Sergei Vyaltsev, survived with critical injuries.

Beresch's death was met with shock and sorrow by the international gymnastics community. Former Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation president Ludmilla Tourischeva issued a public statement, saying "there are no words to express our grief." Several memorials to Beresch were held, including an emotional video tribute at the 2004 European Championships.

Sources


gollark: ```Eggs and hatchlings can become sick when they receive too many views, unique views, and clicks in a short period of time. Although sickness can occur at any time, eggs are most vulnerable when first laid. If an egg or hatchling continues to receive too many views, unique views, and clicks while sick, it may die.To “cure” an egg or hatchling of sickness, simply reduce the rate at which it is receiving views, unique views, and clicks. This may be as simple as removing the egg or hatchling from any sites you have posted it on. Since the hide action prevents eggs and hatchlings from receiving views, unique views, and clicks, it can be a useful tool at combating sickness.```
gollark: Oh? I thought it was good.
gollark: Well, you partly were, but whatever.
gollark: Especially since we don't *want* attack.
gollark: And it ***IS*** flawed. Why? Because it makes defense harder than attack.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.