alexeinemovbiography2

However, since the Atlanta Games, Alexei rarely showed the brilliance that has earned his large number of Olympic medals. He bungled more often than not in major competitions and seemed to be battling a waning work ethic. He began to complain that the hardest thing to overcome about gymnastics was the monotony of training - he seemed to care more about having a good time outside the gym, than focusing on his training. Despite beginning 2000 with Russian All-Around title and victory in the World Stars 2000 in Moscow, many involved in the sport, including Russian program director Leonid Arkav, wrote off alexei as recently as May when it came to his chances of winning the 2000 Olympic All-Around title. When he botched the all-Around at the 2000 European Championships in Germany, earning angry words from Arkaev, Alexei underwent some changes.

And he must have done something right, becuse he certainly produced something out of ordinary for the crowd packing into the Sydney Superdome! He came to Sydney more focused than ever before - and not only did he provide a crucial anchor role in the Russian team performance - he recaptured his best form and proved he is as strong a talent as ever when he won the man's All-Around title. He was untouchable, holding the lead after every rotation. One fan even yelled " Just give Nemov the gold now!" after his Vault performance. He followed up this brillant achievement by qualifying for 5 of the 6 apparatus finals. Although starting slowly by missing out in the men's vaults, he took bronze in the parallel bars, silver on the floor, bronze on the pommel and gold on the horizontal bars.

Once again, he was undeniably the crowd favourite. although he was uncharacteristically clam, stoic, mature and focused in performance, the world saw the cheeky Alexei once more when everything was confirmed. He held back tears after the final routine, gave a hug and kiss to his coach - then turned to the bank of cameras, with a broad smile on his face, hopping up and down and pumping his fist. As he stood on the podium after the Russian anthem was played and as the fans chanted "Alexei, Alexei", he broke into a wild smile, waved his flowers at the fans and raised his hands in acknowledgement. He then turned back to the cameras, celebrating by playfully striking body-builder poses and blowing kisses to the leagues of women who adore him. He's a showman - both on and off the floor - and we love him for it!

Alexei returned home triumphant - a champion with a stunning 6 medals draped around his neck - to see his son for the first time. He has won the praise and respect of everybody. Shortly after the Sydney Olympic Games Alexei won the 2nd World Sports Awards in Athletics handed out in London's famous Royal Albert Hall!! Alexei has said he plas to continue gymnastics for 4 more years until the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece.