In a bold and controversial statement, a Russian gymnastics coach has stirred the international sports community by criticizing a multi-Olympic champion’s suitability for gymnastics.

The coach, known for her strict adherence to the traditional aesthetics of the sport, claimed that the celebrated athlete lacks the qualities that define a true gymnast.

“She is not built like a gymnast,” the coach stated emphatically during a recent interview. “Her physique and style are more fitting for acrobatics, not gymnastics.

There is no elegance in her routine; she jumps like a cheerleader and is built like a powerlifter. This is not what gymnastics is about.”

The coach’s remarks have sparked widespread debate, with some arguing that the evolution of the sport should be embraced, while others support the coach’s call for a return to gymnastics’ traditional values.

The coach went further, urging the Olympic Committee to reconsider the current rules and judging criteria, suggesting that the sport’s integrity is at stake.

“This champion has undeniably brought attention to the sport, but at what cost?

We must ensure that gymnastics remains a discipline of grace, precision, and elegance.

It is time for the Olympic Committee to reevaluate what we are rewarding in this sport,” she added.

The comments have drawn mixed reactions from the global gymnastics community.

Supporters of the champion have defended her achievements, highlighting her ability to perform under immense pressure and her contribution to the sport’s popularity.

Critics, however, have echoed the coach’s sentiments, arguing that the champion’s style deviates from the traditional gymnastics ethos.

As the debate rages on, the call for a potential rule change by the Olympic Committee could signal a significant shift in the sport’s future.

Whether this will lead to a redefinition of gymnastics or a reaffirmation of its classical roots remains to be seen.