Bocharova, Star of 1st Soviet Olympic Gymnastics Team, Dies

In this July 21, 1952, file photo, members of the United States Olympic team holding their hats over their hearts as they pay tribute to Finland's President Juho K. Passikivi, march into Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympic games in Helsinki, Finland. (United Press via AP, File)

Nina Bocharova, an Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast in the first Soviet Union team sent to a games, has died. She was 95.

The Ukraine-born Bocharova died in Rome on Monday, the International Gymnastics Federation said Thursday. The cause of death was not stated.

Bocharova was the Soviet all-around national champion in 1949 and ´51 then part of a dominant team at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, the governing body said.

She won gold medals in the team event and individual balance beam, plus silvers in the all-around behind teammate Maria Gorokhovskaya and team event for portable apparatus.

"With women´s artistic gymnastics still in its infancy, Bocharova exuded strength and grace," the FIG added.