Honored coach of Russia in rhythmic gymnastics Elena Karpushenko passed away at the age of 62. The All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics reported this on its social networks:
“Her contribution to Russian and world rhythmic gymnastics cannot be overestimated. The beauty and skill of her students, the unique style of coaching, Elena Lvovna’s school is known and appreciated by the whole world. This is a huge loss for all of us. An incredibly talented mentor, a wonderful person and our friend has passed away.
We mourn and express our condolences to everyone who knew and loved Elena Lvovna.”
She raised a large number of strong gymnasts who always differed from their rivals. The most striking example: Yana Kudryavtseva. In 2013, she became the youngest absolute world champion and confirmed this title twice more. In 2016, at the Olympics, the gymnast became a silver medalist. Despite the severe injury and long recovery, Kudryavtseva remained technical and easy, which is what defines Karpushenko’s students.
In her social networks, Yana was laconic, which is understandable. She posted an archival photo with Elena Lvovna and signed: “There are no words… Forever in my heart.”
She was also a personal trainer Angelina Yushkova, Tatiana Kurbakova, Alexandra Ermakova, Alina Ermolova And Maria Pobedushkina. All of them were able to achieve incredible results thanks to the perfect tandem with the coach.
She was considered the kindest specialist in Novogorsk, although Karpushenko herself did not think so (Championship):
“All the coaches are calm, there are no angry ones. Maybe because they work with adults. In regular schools, they demand more when working with children. And in Novogorsk the gymnasts are at a different level. You need to communicate with them on equal terms. You need to calmly explain to them; there is no use shouting. They are already at such an age and rank that this will not be of any use.”
Yana Batyrshina reacted painfully to the coach’s departure (TASS):
“This is a huge loss for all of rhythmic gymnastics. In December, we met with Elena Lvovna at the “Heavenly Grace” tournament, which was held in Beijing by Alina Kabaeva. It turns out that we saw her for the last time. I commented on that tournament and spoke on air when Karpushenko’s gymnasts were performing, about how visible her coaching style, her hand are in them… This is a huge grief. He was a unique coach and a unique person. It’s a nightmare, I’m very upset.”
Irina Viner in a comment for SE she named the reason for her death:
“Elena Karpushenko is a great coach and the pride of our country. She is a coach with very great potential. With her departure, Russian rhythmic gymnastics lost a magnificent, one of the very few coaches who truly knew and knew how to present rhythmic gymnastics. Cause of death: long, prolonged illness, as is usually the case.”
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