Věra Čáslavská Turns Away from the Anthem
The Soviet Union had gone to great lengths to ensure that the Czech women did not sweep the medals in gymnastics in 1968, including forcing the girls on Soviet team to get pregnant and have abortions, since pregnant women produce more red blood cells. The Soviets were also alleged to have interfered with the judging. Čáslavská lost points for questionable ‘artistic penalties’. She still, however, managed to win gold. Except at the last minute , it was announced that Soviet Union competitor Larisa Petrik’s score had been upgraded, and the two would share a medal. When the Soviet Union’s anthem was played, Čáslavská bowed her head. It ended her career for over ten years. Czechoslovakia barred her from competing or coaching, at home or abroad.