 In 1969 he met the famous Soviet coach Michael Rudolf Plukfelder, who invited him to Shakhty, where Rigert began training at Trud Voluntary Sports Society under Plukfelder.Just 11 months later, in 1970, Rigert made the USSR national team and debuted internationally, earning the bronze at the World Championships.In 1971 at the RSFSR Championships, Rigert set his first World record.