Draft:Valerie Schpagatte

Valerie Schpagatte (Russian: Валерий Шпагат) was a renowned Russian acrobat and innovator whose contributions impacted the development of modern acrobatics and the circus arts.

Early Life
Schpagatte was born in the Russian town Svetlovo (Светлово) in 1874. Based on Valerie's interview to several local newspapers, he was very close with his younger brother, Vladimir (Vlada), who also ventured into the world of acrobatics and gymnastics.

Career
According to interviews with Valerie and Vlada, the invention of the Shpagatte move occurred when Valerie attempted to walk forwards and backwards simultaneously. This serendipitous discovery led to the development of an acrobatic maneuver now universally recognized as "the splits" or "Shpagatte" (Шпагат), the latter particularly popular in easter regions of the world.

Several years after Vlaerie's discovery, Vladimir introduced an alternate variation of the splits, widening the legs sideways instead. This development engendered a friendly rivalry between the siblings, captivating audiences worldwide.

During his expansive career, Shpagatte visited diverse locales, including a notable engagement with the Ottoman Empire. His tenure in a Russian circus stationed in Turkey showcased his strength and agility, and the personal favour of the Caliph at the time Mehmed VI.

In an exchange of letters amidst the backdrop of the German-Russian conflicts, Shpagatte engaged in a spirited debate with Joseph Pilates regarding the merits of gymnastics and its role in physical fitness. Pilates, known for developing the Pilates Method, advocated for a holistic approach to exercise, emphasizing core strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. Shpagatte, with his deep-rooted experience in acrobatics, offered a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the importance of dynamic movements and agility in achieving peak physical condition.

Their correspondence, though primarily focused on matters of gymnastics, also provided insight into their personal philosophies and experiences as athletes during a tumultuous period in history.

Marriage and Family
During his tenure in Turkey, Valerie Shpagatte entered into matrimony with Leyla Hasanov (ليلى حسنوف), a local resident. Their union, influenced by cultural exchange, marked a significant chapter in Shpagatte's personal life. However, the onset of the First World War brought about a separation, as Shpagatte was called to military service while Hasanov remained in Turkey, pregnant with their unborn son, Nikolai.

According to Schpagatte's comrads, during his time in the field he wrote many letters to his wife, however due to complications of war not many letters arrived to their destinations and even fewer got responses.

Recognition and Legacy
Despite their contributions to the world of acrobatics and gymnastics, the Shpagatte brothers remain relatively unrecognized in comparison to other pioneering athletes such as Joseph Pilates and Dick Fosbury. While Pilates is renowned for developing the Pilates Method, and Fosbury immortalized for his innovative high jump technique known as the "Fosbury Flop," the Shpagatte brothers' techniques, including "the splits" or "Shpagatte", have not achieved the same level of widespread recognition in the general public.

This lack of prominence in popular culture may be attributed to various factors, including the ephemeral nature of circus performances compared to more mainstream sports like gymnastics or track and field. Additionally, the historical documentation surrounding the Shpagatte brothers' lives and achievements may be less comprehensive compared to better-documented athletes of their era.

Moreover, the tumultuous circumstances of the First World War posed significant challenges to the dissemination of information, particularly between Russia and other nations. Communication barriers and limitations on international exchange hindered the flow of knowledge about the Shpagatte brothers' feats and innovations beyond Russian borders. As a result, their legacy remained confined within certain circles, limiting their recognition on a global scale.

Nevertheless, within the realm of circus arts and acrobatics, the Shpagatte brothers' techniques continuing to be practiced by performers and enthusiasts worldwide.

Death
Shpagatte died on a field hostpital in 1914, presumably due to infection caused by a mistreated bullet would in his torso.