The Viner Era Ends: Russian National Coach Steps Down

Irina Viner, the head coach of the Russian national rhythmic gymnastics team, has announced her resignation. Under her leadership, Russian gymnasts have won numerous Olympic and world medals, reports NewsBox.

The head coach of the Russian national rhythmic gymnastics team, Irina Viner, has declared that she is stepping down from her role in the national team. She made the announcement on February 12, 2025, emphasizing her ongoing dedication to the development of rhythmic gymnastics in the country and her intention to focus on training young coaches.

Viner has led the Russian team since 2001, during which time athletes under her guidance have repeatedly become Olympic champions and have triumphed at world and European championships. Among her protégées are stars of the global gymnastics scene such as Alina Kabaeva, Evgeniya Kanaeva, Margarita Mamun, and many others.

In her statement, Viner noted that she decided to step down as head coach to make way for a new generation of specialists, many of whom are her former trainees. She is confident that the experience gained will help maintain the leading position of Russian rhythmic gymnastics.

Earlier, in October 2024, Irina Viner also stepped down as president of the All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics following its merger with the Russian Gymnastics Federation. At that time, she stated that this would allow her to devote more time to her coaching work.

Her departure as head coach marks the end of an era in Russian gymnastics.