Advanced: One of a Kind--Daniela Silivas

If you all don't know by now that I value originality even over power or grace in a gymnast, you haven't been reading this blog very closely (if at all). That's why for  most gymnastics fans, our favorite era ever is: The 80's. Yes, it wasn't a fabulous decade for clothes or hair, but elite gymnastics was positively brimming with athletes representing the very best combination of strength, artistry, and uniqueness the sport had to offer. It was the era where the focus was just beginning to shift to powerful tricks but artistry still lingered in compulsories and fantastic Eastern bloc floor routines.

And the undisputed icon of this decade, the ultimate package, was Romanian Daniela Silivas. Having begun gymnastics at 6 and become one of Romania's most promising talents by the time she was 13, Silivas was destined for greatness from the beginning.

What do Shawn Johnson (USA), Cheng Fei (China), and Vanessa Ferrari (Italy) all have in common? They are all modern gymnasts who have performed the Double Twisting Double Salto, or the Silivas, on floor. That's right, she showed a skill that is still around today. But back when she was doing it, a double-double wasn't just extremely difficult, it was mind-blowing. The women's gymnastics world had never seen anything like it until then. Full twisting double backs were growing in popularity, but Daniela, that little overachiever, had to throw in an extra twist. Just for kicks, it seems.

Despite her impressive strength, Daniela was still known primarily as a stickler for good form and an expressive dancer. Trust me, she's a joy to watch, and has earned her share of perfect 10's for floor. My favorite part of her '88 routine was the cute little double spin on her ankles. Original and fun.

The fantastic mount mentioned below

Speaking of originality, you want to see it at its finest? Three words: Her beam mount. Officially, it is described in the Code of Points as a "Jump with 1/2 turn to neckstand, 1/2 turn to cheststand." She jumps up as she half turns with her weight on her shoulders, gripping the beam with her arms, and turns again so that her head faces the beam, then gracefully lets herself down into a sitting position. Watch it on video and you will not be disappointed. Even in this highly unique and innovative era, it's a standout.

All of this, and it's no surprise she was considered a great example of an all-around gymnast, with no weak event. Maybe vault, since she didn't have quite the strength to pull a solid one off, but she still managed to snag a bronze Olympic medal, so she's still a jack-of-all-trades.

One thing's for sure: I love this era, and I love this gymnast.