1. Early life and athletic training
Lina Cheryazova's early life laid the foundation for her athletic career, beginning with foundational training before her impactful transition to freestyle skiing.
1.1. Childhood and education
Cheryazova was born on 1 November 1968, in Tashkent, then part of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic in the Soviet Union. Her early years were characterized by athletic development.
1.2. Transition to freestyle skiing
Cheryazova initially trained in gymnastics and trampolining, disciplines that provided a strong athletic base. She made the transition to freestyle skiing in 1987, focusing on the aerials discipline. Her coach during her career was Dmitri Kavunov.
2. Professional career
Lina Cheryazova's professional career saw her rise to prominence in freestyle skiing, marked by significant victories and a challenging battle with injuries. She was known for her height of 65 in (164 cm) and weight of 132 lb (60 kg).
2.1. World Cup success
Cheryazova made her World Cup debut in December 1989. She quickly established herself as a dominant force in the sport, becoming the overall winner of the World Cup in two consecutive seasons. During the 1992-93 season, she won six out of eight races, showcasing her consistent high performance. She continued this success into the 1993-94 season, where she won six out of 11 races, solidifying her position as a top-tier aerials skier.
2.2. Major international competitions
Cheryazova achieved significant success at major international competitions. In 1990, she secured a bronze medal at the European Championship. Her strong performances continued, leading her to win a gold medal at the 1993 World Championships held in Altenmarkt.
Her most notable achievement came at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. In the aerials event, she delivered a gold medal-winning performance with a score of 166.84 points. This victory was particularly significant as it made her the only athlete to have won a Winter Olympic medal while representing Uzbekistan.
2.3. Injuries and retirement
In the summer of 1994, after her Olympic triumph, Cheryazova suffered a severe skull fracture during a training accident. This injury led to her spending more than a month in a coma. After a period of recovery, she attempted to resume competing in the autumn of 1995. However, she was unable to regain her previous form and competitive edge following the serious injury. She continued to compete until after the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, but another injury ultimately led to her retirement from professional skiing.
3. Personal life
In 1999, after her retirement from professional skiing, Lina Cheryazova moved to Novosibirsk, Russia. She settled there and lived with her adopted daughter, Alina.
4. Death
Lina Cheryazova passed away on 23 March 2019, in Novosibirsk, Russia, at the age of 50. Her death was attributed to a lengthy illness.
5. Legacy and recognition
Lina Cheryazova holds a unique and lasting legacy in Uzbekistani sports history. She remains the only athlete from Uzbekistan to have ever won a medal at the Winter Olympic Games, with her gold medal in aerials at the 1994 Winter Olympics. Her groundbreaking achievement earned her the prestigious title of 'Honored Athlete' of the Republic of Uzbekistan, officially recognizing her significant contributions to the nation's athletic prestige.