СОВЕТСКИЙ СПОРТ В ПОСЛЕВОЕННЫЕ ГОДЫ: ВЫХОД НА МИРОВУЮ АРЕНУ

Abstract

The paper analyses the processes of development of Soviet sports in the post-war years. It shows that despite huge losses, the revival of the sports economy, management structures and the system of competitive events were successfully carried out with the most active support of the Party and state bodies. Based on the given statistical data, it is proved that consequences of the war had been eliminated by the end of 1947. However, the process of strengthening and expanding the material and technical base of Soviet sports continued until the end of the 1950s, ensuring its threefold expansion compared to 1940. The paper demonstrates measures aimed at increasing the number of sports specialists, improving programs for physical education of the population and increasing the popularity of sports. An analysis of the post-war physical culture movement showed that the successes enabled the authorities to set an ambitious task not only to bring Soviet sports to the international arena, but also to train outstanding professional athletes capable of establishing the sports leadership of the USSR. At the same time, the author examines in detail the forms and methods used by the Soviet top leadership both to stimulate victories and to prevent defeats that could have harmed the image of the “first country of socialism”. A conclusion is drawn that successful entry of Soviet athletes into the international arena, despite their political motivation, contributed to strengthening of the USSR in the world and raising the overall level of world sports.