Irina Viner, who leads the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation and serves as the head coach of the national team, spoke about who might follow in her footsteps. The remarks were reported by Sports24.
She said, My heart tells me that my successor will be Alina Kabaeva, but she is not prepared yet. On the other hand, I have many talented peers and proteges: Yulia Barsukova and Sasha Soldatova. I have a large group of students who share experience and deep understanding. At any moment I am ready to pass on what I know, to mentor them, to shape it further, and to work together, Wiener stated.
On October 16, the Court of Appeal of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation reviewed Wiener’s appeal against the decision that barred her from competing under the International Gymnastics Federation. In March 2022, the Disciplinary Commission of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation imposed a two-year suspension on her participation in FIG events.
In July 2023, the FIG board decided that representatives from Russia and Belarus could participate, provided they meet certain conditions, which were not disclosed at the time.
Earlier Wiener had indicated what would disappoint him in 2023.