Larisa Latynina has been awarded the ANOC Award for Outstanding Performance at the inaugural ANOC Gala Awards Dinner in Bangkok, Thailand.
As one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time, Larisa Latynina was selected by ANOC for her performances for the USSR from 1956-1964 which won her a total of 18 medals – nine gold, five silver and four bronze. She was the most decorated Olympian of all time until 2012, and remains today the most decorated female Olympian ever.
Larisa Latynina said:
"Almost 50 years ago I received my last – 18th – Olympic medal: a gold medal in floor exercise in Tokyo. What an amazing honour this is. Thank you to ANOC for this esteemed award, I feel truly so privileged to be here today among the great athletes and NOCs that have all worked tirelessly over the years to achieve success. Thank you ANOC for hosting such a wonderful event and for honouring me with this award – the best 80th birthday present I could have hoped for!
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