Documentary, Feature

01:19:22

Australia

Ashley Malcolm Morrison

Synopsis:

Věra Čáslavská is a hero in her homeland but few outside of the Czech Republic know her name.

Čáslavská is one of only three female gymnasts, along with Soviet Larisa Latynina, tand American Simone Biles o win the all-around gold medal at two consecutive Olympics.

She remains the only gymnast, male or female, to have won an Olympic gold medal in each individual gymnastics event. Apart from being an outstanding athlete she was also a patriot.

Čáslavská was known for her outspoken support of the Czechoslovak democratization movement and her opposition to the 1968 Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia. This was at a time when women across the world rarely had a voice. Following the invasion she fled to the countryside to continue training in secret unsure as to whether she would be allowed to compete at the Mexico Olympic Games.

Permission was granted, but following two incidents which saw her have to share the gold medal and accept silver she made her own silent protest to the world by looking down and away while the Soviet national anthem was played during the medal ceremonies for the balance beam and floor exercise event finals.

While Čáslavská’s actions were applauded by her compatriots, they resulted in her becoming a persona non grata under the new regime when she returned home. She was forced into retirement and for many years was denied the right to travel, work and attend sporting events.

Don’t Look Away tells the story of this remarkable woman her courage and her achievements.

DIRECTOR'S BIOGRAPHY

Ashley Morrison is an independent documentary filmmaker based in Perth, Australia.

Born and raised in the UK Ashley moved to Australia in his 20's and works as a freelance sports commentator and author.

"Don't Look Away" is his fifth documentary.

Using his extensive knowledge of sport all of his films have been sport-related but carry a deeper message.