Russians have always stood tall for their legacies and achievements in the world of gymnastics. Be it the gymnasts or the coaches, they have a strong training culture as rhythmic gymnastics is considered a prestigious sport. Some notable talents like Alina Ermolova, Tatiana Kurbakova, Yana Kudryavtseva, and Alexandra Ermakova who have showcased spectacular performances have had a common force that led them to victory on multiple occasions.

It was Elena Karpushenko, the Russian-honored Master of Sports coach in rhythmic gymnastics. Sadly, the recent passing of this 62-year-old talented and legendary coach has left the gymnastics community in a state of shock and mourning. The Moscow-born rhythmic gymnastics coach played a pivotal role in shaping these young talents.

The passing of a legendary Russian coach leaves a lacuna that’s hard to fill

Usually, it is believed that Russian coaches follow strict training methods to keep their athletes disciplined for their excellence. Elena Karpushenko was recognized for her unique style of syncing the gymnast and the music, always with elegance, extension, and fluidity. Upon hearing the news of her untimely demise, one of Karpushenko’s pupils, Maria Pobedushkina was heartbroken, because she had spoken to Karpushenko just the day before tragic news reached her.

In an Instagram post, Maria expressed her heartfelt condolences to her coach, Elena Karpushenko, and shared memories of their time. Coach Karpushenko, who sadly passed away on April 23, 2024, at the age of 62, was described by the All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics as someone whose “contribution to Russian and world rhythmic gymnastics cannot be overestimated.”

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Pobedushkina posted a six-image carousel of black-and-white stills featuring her and Coach Karpushenko. Her accompanying caption, translated to English, read, “She was a great example for everyone! I am incredibly grateful to have been her student. She taught me never to give up, to be strong, and that after dark times, there will always be light.” Pobedushkina also shared that she had spoken to Elena Karpushenko just the day before and was shocked by her untimely demise.

She thanked her coach for being not only a mentor but also a mother figure, expressing the depth of her grief and loss. She concluded her tribute with, “You were not just a coach for me, but a mother. Forever in our hearts, we cry and grieve 😔🙏”.

Another gem who trained under coach Elena Karpushenko was Russian rhythmic gymnast, Yana Kudryavtseva. She boasts an extraordinary record, including the 2016 Olympic all-around silver medal, a whopping 13 World Championship gold medals, and nine victories at the European championships. Notably, at the age of 15, she made history by becoming the youngest rhythmic gymnast to win the World Championships in the all-around. Her career was a cascade of achievements, and behind this young talent stood Elena Karpushenko, as an incredible source of inspiration in the form of her coach.

The comment section under Maria Pobedushkina’s post overflowed with love and condolences from around the world for the Russian-honored Master of Sports coach in rhythmic gymnastics.

The gymnastics community mourns the late Elena Karpushenko

One fan paid tribute to the legendary coach, highlighting the legacy and history she created. Karpushenko helped her pupil to portray beauty and skill in their routine. The fan wrote, “Rest in peace, one of the greatest coaches Rg has ever seen.” Daria Pridannikova, the 2016 Junior Grand Prix Final All-around champion, expressed disbelief in her comment and said, “I don’t want to believe it… 💔 Elena Lviv… a bright memory.”

Another fan expressed the profound respect Karpushenko held in the community and wrote, “I can’t believe this 😭 A person and a coach with a capital ‘C’ 💔 Rest in peace 🕯️🕊️” Daria Trubnikova, the 2018 Youth Olympic Games individual all-around champion, echoed this sentiment and commented, “I can’t believe this 😭💔.”

Anastasiia Salos, the 2020 European Championships All-around bronze medalist, shared, “Bright memory of Elena Lviv! My condolences to you and all your family🙏” Karpushenko was the coach to Alina Ermolova when she won the 2016 European Junior Champion in rope and Tatiana Kurbakova in the 2004 Olympics Gold medal in Group all around.

As we reflect on the heartbreaking loss of coach Elena Karpushenko, our condolences are with all those whose lives she touched. The outpouring of love is a testament to the legacy she nurtured and will continue to spread her memory and name for generations to come.