Via Alan Owen web editor of the website of Ukraine’s hope of the future Maria Livchikova:
Masha has officially decided to retire from gymnastics.
She will now be focusing on her studies to become a coach at the National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine.
Originally seen as a hope for Ukraine Gymnastics, sadly over the course of the past three years, Masha has suffered strings of bad luck. Masha tore her ACL a total of three times. The first time was during podium training at the 2011 World Championships. As a result, she couldn’t compete in the Olympics in the following year.
Her second injury was during training before the 2013 European Championship. Her third injury occurred during training before the 2014 World Championship.
We reported back in August that the 20 year old had torn her ACL for the third time. Whilst we will miss her gymnastics, we think that this is for the best and wish her the best for her future.
Let’s take a look at some of her beautiful and memorable routines.
2011 Ghent World Cup, placing first on floor to China’s Wu Liufang (2nd) and Brazil’s Daiane Dos Santos (3rd). Look at the beauty and long lines, it’s a pity we didn’t get to see her beautiful artistry more.
Also from the 2011 Ghent World Cup, Mariya picked up a silver medal on beam, first place going to Wu Liufang and bronze to Uzbekistans Luisa Gailulina.
Following her ACL tear at the 2011 World Championships, Mariya qualified to the Floor final at the 2012 European Championships, finishing in 6th place.
