The Russian national team leadership has weighed in on the recent developments surrounding Irina Viner, a central figure in rhythmic gymnastics in Russia. Valentina Rodionenko, who guides the national program and also heads the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, acknowledged that the decision to remove Viner from some duties would not come as a shock to the broader Russian sports community. Rodionenko stressed that Viner has long played a pivotal role in shaping the sport domestically, and any outcome involving her leadership is bound to reverberate across coaching staffs, training centers, and the athletes who have spent years under her guidance. In explaining the reaction, Rodionenko emphasized the collective nature of leadership in Russian gymnastics and suggested that this development is part of a broader conversation about governance, accountability, and the evolving standards of ethical conduct within the sport. The remarks were reported as part of ongoing coverage and reflect the careful stance taken by senior figures within the federation as the situation unfolds on the international stage.
