Category: Rhythmic

#RhyWorlds2023 Valencia, Spain

Aug 23-27, Valencia Spain

Russian Irina Viner banned for 2 years

Viner has been so controversial for so many decades, I wasn’t instantly sure why she was banned.

Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation President Irina Viner has been banned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for two-years for her behaviour following the Olympic Games in Tokyo when Israel’s Linoy Ashram beat Dina Averina to the gold medal in the individual event and Bulgaria won the group event. …

The punishment will not begin until one day after Russia’s current ban from international competition …

Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation President banned for two years after Tokyo 2020 protest
Irina Viner is believed to be a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and introduced him to his mistress, Olympic rhythmic gymnastics gold medallist Alina Kabaeva 

Russian Rhythmic not eligible for Paris … IMHO

Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation President Irina Viner has been videoed directing the rehearsal of a military parade for Putin’s big speech celebrating the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Tribuna also reports that Russia’s national rhythmic gymnastics team are expected to perform in the “celebratory concert”. …

Viner was married to Uzbek-born Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov for 30 years before their divorce in May last year.

Usmanov agreed to step aside as President of the International Fencing Federation following the European Union’s decision to impose economic sanctions on him over Russia’s military assault on Ukraine.

The 69-year-old businessman has also been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom. …

Inside the Games

I ASSuME this means the RUS Rhythmic team will not be eligible for Olympic qualification under the stupid compromise idea recommended by the IOC.

Irina Viner is pictured with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2015 ©Getty Images

training in bombed Ukraine

Sofia Raffaeli – Rhythmic World Champion

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Sofia Raffaeli wins all-around gold at 2022 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships and secures Olympic qualification for Italy

Medallists from Italy, Germany and Bulgaria punched tickets for their National Olympic Committees to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris