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Stricken by a rare neurological disorder, gymnastics legend Nikolai Andrianov is fighting for his life while his family desperately seeks treatment. ![]() Nikolai Andrianov at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, where he won the all-around gold medal. The 15-time Olympic medalist, 57, is suffering from multiple system atrophy (MSA), son Sergei Andrianov told IG. "The diagnosis is olivopontocerebellar degeneration, terminal stage," Sergei said. "His illness is fatal and he will not have long to live, the doctors said." MSA is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder similar to Parkinson's Disease. It is characterized by motor control symptoms such as tremor, rigidity and loss of muscle coordination, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Beginning with weakness on his right side, the disease has severely disabled the elder Andrianov, who is confined to his bed at his home in Vladimir, Russia. "His condition is bad. Very bad," Sergei said. "He cannot move either his arms or legs, and he cannot speak." While the disease is terminal, the symptoms can be eased and quality of life improved with medical care. His family is hoping someone may be able to offer him treatment. "I would be very grateful if someone could consult American doctors about my father's condition," said Sergei, a former gymnast who now coaches in Japan. Andrianov began gymnastics at age 12, after witnessing a boy walking on his hands at the beach. He went to the gym in Vladimir where he was the oldest boy among the beginners. He decided to quit, but coach Nikolai Tolkachyov tracked him down and persuaded him to stay, seeing his potential. From 1971-1980, Andrianov won 15 Olympic medals (seven gold, five silver, three bronze), 12 world championship medals (four gold and eight silver) and 18 European championship medals (10 gold, six silver, two bronze). His all-around titles include the 1975 European Championships, the 1976 Olympic Games and the 1978 World Championships. He is ranked third behind only fellow Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina (18 medals) and U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps (16 medals) on the all-time Olympic medal count. After his retirement, he dedicated his life to gymnastics. He served as the head coach of the Soviet junior men's team from 1981-1992, judged internationally and was elected president of the Soviet Gymnastics Federation in 1990. He is married to two-time Soviet Olympic gold medalist Lyubov Burda. In 1994, he accepted the invitation of former rival Mitsuo Tsukahara to coach in Japan. One of the gymnasts he coached was Tsukahara's own son, Naoya Tsukahara, who helped Japan win the team title at the 2004 Olympics. In 2001, Andrianov was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Andrianov returned to Vladimir in 2002 to coach at the gym where he trained as a youth, now named after Tolkachyov. Among his pupils was future Olympian Yuri Ryazanov, who was killed in a car accident last October, days after winning the all-around bronze medal at the world championships in London. Despite his own illness, Andrianov was able to attend Ryazanov's funeral in Vladimir. Those wishing to send messages of support to Andrianov, or those with medical resources who may be able to help, may contact Sergei Andrianov at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Comments (15)
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