Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on November 30, 2021

The former coach of Israels national rhythmic gymnastics team, Ira Vigdorchik, has signed up to work with the Russian squad instead. Vigdorchik confirmed the development in a statement.

Vigdorchik, who for years coached the Israeli troupe, was let go this year following the Tokyo Olympics.

According to the Walla news website, Vigdorchik, 57, was given the position 10 days ago. She is considered to be close with the Russian gymnastics association where she is held in great esteem, according to the report.

Vigdorchik will prepare the Russian team for the Paris Olympics in 2024, where Israel is also expected to compete.

The Russians are also scheduled to be in Israel next year when the European Rhythmic Gymnastics competition is held in Tel Aviv.

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Vigdorchik was born in the former Soviet Union and immigrated to Israel from Moscow in 1979. She coached the Israeli team from 2008 to 2021, with a one-year break in 2016.

Under her guidance, Israels team won more than 20 medals at competitions around the world including a European bronze medal in 2014, a silver medal the same year in the World Championships, and silver and bronze medals at the European championships in 2016.

Israels Linoy Ashram poses with her gold medal during the podium ceremony of the individual all-around final of the rhythmic gymnastics event, during Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics center in Tokyo, on August 7, 2021. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP)

Over the years Vigdorchik was involved in various controversies, including commenting in a tape leaked a month before the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games that Israeli individual gymnast Linoy Ashram has no class.

At the Tokyo games, Ashram won Israels first-ever gold in the rhythmic individual all-around competition, edging Russian favorite Dina Averina into the silver position. Averinas twin sister, also considered a medal challenger, finished in fourth place.

In the team event, the Israeli squad under Vigdorchik finished in sixth place.

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Former coach of Israels medal-winning gymnastics team switches to Russian squad - The Times of Israel

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