Photo by OEG.

Inga Nikolayevna Shkarupa, oldest daughter of Svetlana and Nikolay, who run a coffee shop, was born on September 9, 1981, in Ternopol, Ukraine. This stubborn, hard working, and determined, yet joyful young girl of Polish descent has a sister also involved in gymnastics, and a cousin named Yana-making gymnastics a family affair for the Shkarupas. Her younger sister Kristina trains and lives in Kiev. Even more interesting, Inga's father Nikolay was once a Ukrainian National Champion-in cycling!


Photo by OEG.

Though consistency remains a problem, Inga is one of the few Ukrainians who have it all-enough power to complete an Arabian double front on floor; enough polish and form to look like a ballerina; the work ethic that makes a champion. Her floor performances to Flamenco, and her bar routines with great form and amplitude are sure to turn heads at any competition. For such a tiny person, standing just 4'11" and weighing just 88 pounds, her presence is reminiscent to that of Khorkina and Podkopayeva, her idols. It's also interesting that someone of her size is so powerful! Her favorite events are vault and floor, not like that of Khorkina. Like most international elite gymnasts, Inga enjoys reading and relaxing when she's done in the gym.


Photo by OEG.

Though she is sometimes overshadowed by teammates Karpenko, Teslenko, and Roschupkina, Inga is one of Ukraine's top prospects for gold at the 2000 Olympics this summer. She's no stranger to gold already. With victories at the 1997 Ukrainian Nationals, 1997 Gymnix International, 1997 Bluewater International, 1998 Ukrainian Cup, 1998 French Telecom, 1998 China Motor Cup, and recently the 2000 Ukrainian Nationals, Inga has already shown the world what she is capable of achieving.


Photo by Gymphoto.

When Inga retires, though I hope it's no time soon, she would like to become a business woman, but is still not quite sure in what profession. Her future looks bright, as she is one of the brightest gymnasts at Koncha Zaspa, the National Training Center where she is trained by Tatiana Gerashchenko and Zinaida Gorbach-the former has been with her since the age of four. She has also competed in two World Championships and two Europeans, thus making her one of the team veterans. So watch for Inga. Watch for her as she tries to bring Ukraine to victory, despite it's struggling economy. Watch as Inga proves that you can have it all.

Some facts from OEG.

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