Irina Viner, former coach of gymnast and rumored Putin romantic partner Alina Kabaeva, resigns as head of Russia’s rhythmic gymnastics team
Irina Viner is stepping down as head coach of Russia’s national rhythmic gymnastics team, a position she has held since 2001.
“Rhythmic gymnastics is my life, and I am grateful to have contributed to the development of this beautiful sport,” Viner said, as quoted by Interfax. She added that she now faces “a new, equally important task — not just training champions, but passing on my experience to the coaches who will prepare the next generation of stars.”
Viner has coached some of Russia’s most decorated rhythmic gymnasts, including Olympic champions Yulia Barsukova, Alina Kabaeva, Evgeniya Kanaeva, and Margarita Mamun. Since 2008, she has also served as president of Russia’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation. Viner has also acted as an official campaign proxy for Vladimir Putin during elections.
In January 2025, BBC News Russian reported on a conflict between Viner and Kabaeva, which allegedly took place during the BRICS Games in the summer of 2024. Shortly afterward, Russia’s Sports Ministry dissolved the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, which Viner had led for more than 15 years. President Putin also removed her from the Council for the Development of Physical Culture and Sports.
