The murky world of Russian gymnastics - The Fifth Floor podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Irina Viner: Long-time head coach of Russian rhythmic gymnastics, known for her tough and sometimes abusive training methods.
• Alina Kabaeva: Highly decorated rhythmic gymnast, rumored to be Vladimir Putin's partner, and founder of the "Heavenly Grace" gymnastics academy.
• Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation: Organization formerly led by Irina Viner, dissolved and replaced by a new gymnastics body.
• Heavenly Grace (Sky Grace) Academy: Gymnastics school founded by Alina Kabaeva, operating with unique privileges and competing separately from the Russian national team.
• BRICS Games: International competition where Kabaeva's academy competed as a separate entity, leading to conflict with Viner.
• Putin's inner circle: The increasing visibility and prominence of women with reported links to Vladimir Putin, including his daughters and relatives.

Irina Viner's Reign and Reputation

• Irina Viner dominated Russian rhythmic gymnastics for over 20 years, achieving absolute domination both within Russia and internationally.
• She is known for her tough coaching style, pushing students to their limits, sometimes using rude and abusive language.
• A documentary highlighted her training methods, showing instances of her verbally abusing Margarita Mamun, a gymnast preparing for the 2016 Olympics.
• Viner's methods included body shaming and placing immense pressure on young gymnasts, demanding nothing less than a gold medal.
• Example: During Margarita Mamun's training, Viner told her to perform as if "praying to God to save your father" who was dying of cancer.

Alina Kabaeva's Rise and Influence

• Alina Kabaeva is one of Russia's most famous and decorated gymnasts, with two Olympic medals, 14 world championship medals, and over 20 European Championship medals.
• After retiring from the sport in 2007, she rose rapidly into the Russian elite, serving as a member of parliament and chairing a major media group.
• She is widely reported to be Vladimir Putin's long-term partner, a claim the Kremlin denies.
• In 2022, Kabaeva was sanctioned by the US, UK, and EU due to her close relationship with Putin.
• Kabaeva founded the "Heavenly Grace" (or Sky Grace) gymnastics academy in Sochi, receiving a building from Gazprom.
• Her academy operates with unique privileges, including the ability to set its own rules and compete separately from the Russian national team.
• Kabaeva's coaching approach at Heavenly Grace is notably different from Viner's, emphasizing support and encouragement rather than harsh criticism.

The BRICS Games Conflict

• The BRICS Games were promoted by the Russian government as an alternative to the Summer Olympics.
• The rhythmic gymnastics tournament included national teams and Kabaeva's Heavenly Grace academy competing as a separate entity.
• This unprecedented situation led to conflict between Kabaeva and Viner, with Viner reportedly accusing judges of bias towards Kabaeva's team.
• Viner confronted a judge, stating, "Just because Sky Grace invited you here it doesn't mean you have to do their work for them."
• The Sports Minister reprimanded Viner for her behavior, a significant event given her previously untouchable status.

Viner's Fall from Grace

• Following the BRICS Games incident, the Russian Ministry of Sport dissolved the Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, which Viner had led for 15 years.
• A new gymnastics federation was formed, and Viner was not given a seat on the board.
• Vladimir Putin removed Viner from the Council for the development of physical culture and sports.
• Viner initially remained the head coach of the national team but later stepped down, effectively ending her control over the sport.

The Rise of Women Linked to Putin

• In recent years, women with reported links to Vladimir Putin have become more visible in public life.
• Putin's daughters, Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova, have made public appearances and spoken at important economic forums.
• Anna Tsivilyova, Putin's first cousin once removed, was appointed Deputy Defence Minister despite having no prior experience in defense or government.
• The war in Ukraine has created an environment where these women can move more openly without facing the same level of scrutiny or concern about public opinion.
• The appointment of relatives to high positions might be seen as nepotism, but the focus is elsewhere due to the ongoing conflict.

Conclusion

The video details the downfall of Irina Viner, the once-dominant figure in Russian rhythmic gymnastics, and the rise of Alina Kabaeva, rumored to be Putin's partner, who now wields significant influence in the sport. The shift reflects broader changes within the Russian elite, where women with ties to Putin are increasingly stepping into the spotlight, possibly due to the altered environment created by the war in Ukraine. The power dynamic has shifted, with Kabaeva's academy gaining prominence and Viner losing her grip on the sport she controlled for decades.