Alla Shishkina, a three-time Olympic champion who runs her own synchronized swimming school, points to a troubling issue in Russia: the presence of psychological and physical violence against children in sports schools. The veteran athlete spoke candidly to Sports Express about the problem and offered a clear stance on what she believes must change in the system.
Shishkina made it plain that while some parents push for tougher discipline, her management keeps a strict line to ensure no such mistreatment occurs at her facility. She also urged parents who rely on harsh methods to seek another school where the environment prioritizes safety and positive coaching instead.
In Shishkina’s view, violence against young athletes is a real and ongoing concern within the country’s sports landscape. She described a scenario where inexperienced instructors spend 10 to 12 hours in the pool, earning about 23 thousand rubles, and may raise their voices when a child becomes upset. According to her, such dynamics create a toxic atmosphere that undermines young athletes’ well-being and development. Shishkina’s remarks align with a broader push in the sports community to reexamine coaching practices and protect children from harm. This issue has been echoed by other prominent figures who have called for reforms in how music, routines, and overall sport environments are managed for young competitors. The goal is to cultivate coaching that builds resilience and skill without compromising the child’s health or self-esteem, a standard many in the field believe should be universal across Russia and beyond.
Shishkina’s Olympic record stands with gold medals earned in 2012, 2016, and 2021, underscoring her experience and credibility when addressing youth sport issues. Her achievements lend weight to her call for safer, more supportive training environments for young athletes who aspire to reach high levels of performance while maintaining their physical and emotional health. The conversation around protecting children in sport is not new, but it has gained renewed attention as more athletes and coaches advocate for better guidelines and oversight in training programs.
Earlier, Olga Brusnikina also weighed in on related topics, urging a reassessment of selections and the music choices used in sports events. The broader dialogue surrounding youth sport in Russia continues to evolve, with athletes and coaches alike emphasizing the need for clear standards, transparency, and accountability to ensure all young participants have the chance to succeed without suffering harm. This evolving narrative reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding children while nurturing their talents and love for sport, a balance that many officials and families hope to achieve across the nation.