Famous Russian Coaches

Rebecca Lynn Hammon is a Russian-American professional basketball coach and former player. She is currently the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Hammon has also served as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. She is a three-time All-American basketball player who played for various teams in the WNBA and internationally. Hammon made history as the first woman to be a head coach in the NBA Summer League and as the first Russian head coach in WNBA history. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

Evgeniya Olegovna Kanaeva is a retired Russian individual rhythmic gymnast who has left a remarkable legacy in the sport. She is a two-time Olympic all-around gold medalist, winning at both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. Kanaeva holds numerous records, including the most World titles and European titles in rhythmic gymnastics history. She is known for her exceptional achievements, such as becoming the first gymnast to win all six titles at the World Championships in 2009 and 2011. Kanaeva has also been recognized with prestigious awards for her sportsmanship and talent, including the International Fair Play Award and the Merit for the Fatherland IV Degree. She is the only gymnast to have achieved a perfect score under the 30-point judging system on two occasions.

Alexei Vyacheslavovich Kovalev is a former professional ice hockey player who had a successful career in the NHL, playing over 1,300 games for various teams over 18 seasons. He was drafted by the New York Rangers and won a Stanley Cup with them in 1994. Kovalev also played in the KHL with Atlant Moscow Oblast and had a stint with EHC Visp in Switzerland's National League B. Currently, he is serving as an assistant coach for HC Kunlun Red Star in the KHL.

Viktor Vasilyevich Tikhonov was a prominent figure in Russian ice hockey, known for both his successful playing career and coaching achievements. As a defenseman with VVS Moscow and Dynamo Moscow, he won multiple national championships. Tikhonov later transitioned into coaching, leading the Soviet team to numerous World Championship and Olympic gold medals. He also guided CSKA Moscow to an impressive twelve consecutive league championships. Recognized for his contributions to the sport, Tikhonov was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 1998.

Alexei Nikolayevich Mishin is a prominent Russian figure skating coach known for his successful career as a pair skater and coaching achievements. He is based in Saint Petersburg at Yubileyny Sports Palace and has trained numerous renowned skaters, including Olympic champions Alexei Urmanov, Alexei Yagudin, and Evgeni Plushenko. Mishin also organizes summer seminars attended by top skaters like Stéphane Lambiel and Sarah Meier. He is an author of several books focusing on the biomechanics of figure skating, showcasing his expertise in the sport.

Alexander Zhulin is a prominent Russian ice dancing coach and former competitor. He has achieved significant success in his career, including being a two-time Olympic medalist, World champion, and European champion alongside his partner Maya Usova. Their accomplishments also include winning gold medals at prestigious international competitions such as Skate America, NHK Trophy, Nations Cup, and Winter Universiade. Zhulin has represented various teams throughout his career, including the Soviet Union, the Unified Team, and Russia.

Viktor Ahn is a renowned short-track speed skating coach and retired skater with a remarkable career. He holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals in the sport, having won a total of six gold and two bronze medals. Ahn is a six-time overall World champion, a two-time overall World Cup winner, and the 2014 European champion. Despite facing challenges, including a knee injury and controversy over changing nationalities, Ahn has continued to contribute to the sport through coaching and philanthropic efforts.

Tatiana Anatolyevna Tarasova is a highly accomplished figure skating coach and national team adviser from Russia. She holds the remarkable distinction of coaching more world and Olympic champions than any other coach in the history of figure skating. Her students have achieved a total of eight Olympic gold medals across three different disciplines, as well as 41 gold medals at both the European and World championships. Tarasova's expertise and guidance have played a significant role in shaping the successful careers of numerous elite figure skaters.

Dmitry Tursunov, a Russian tennis coach and former player, achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 20 in October 2006. Known for his humor about his struggles on clay courts, Tursunov was sponsored by Fila and Wilson during his playing career. He played a key role in the Russian Davis Cup team's victory in 2006 and their runner-up finish in 2007. Tursunov's move to the United States at age 12 to pursue his professional tennis aspirations showcases his dedication to the sport.

Senda Berenson Abbott was a pioneering figure in women's basketball, known for introducing and adapting rules for women's basketball at Smith College in 1899. She authored the first Basketball Guide for Women (1901–07) and made significant contributions to the sport. Abbott was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame for her role as a contributor. Her work laid the foundation for the development and growth of women's basketball.

Alexander Khalifman is a prominent Russian chess player and writer. He earned the title of Grandmaster from FIDE in 1990 and achieved the prestigious title of FIDE World Chess Champion in 1999. Khalifman has made significant contributions to the world of chess through his impressive gameplay and strategic skills. In addition to his success as a player, he has also shared his knowledge and expertise in chess through his writing. Khalifman continues to be recognized as a leading figure in the global chess community.

Aleksandr Anyukov is a retired Russian professional football player turned coach. He played primarily as a right-back and had a successful career with FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, winning the Russian Premier League title five times. Anyukov also represented his national team in two European Championships, accumulating over 70 international caps. Following his retirement from playing, he transitioned into coaching and currently serves as an assistant coach at Zenit Saint Petersburg, bringing his wealth of experience and knowledge to the team.

Viktor Spiridonov was a distinguished figure in the world of martial arts and wrestling. He dedicated his career to researching various forms of combat sports and became a highly respected expert in the field. His contributions to the development of Sambo, a martial art originating in the Soviet Union, were invaluable. Recognized as a Merited Master of Sports and an Honored Coach of the USSR, Spiridonov played a crucial role in the promotion and advancement of martial arts both in his country and internationally.

Tamara Moskvina is a highly accomplished figure in the world of pair skating. As a former competitive skater, she achieved success both in pairs and as a singles skater, winning numerous national titles. Transitioning to coaching, she has become renowned for her expertise, guiding pairs to Olympic medals across multiple Winter Games. Her coaching prowess was particularly evident in the 1992 and 1998 Olympics, where she coached pairs to both gold and silver medals. Moskvina's influence and impact on the sport are widely recognized and respected.

Irina Viner-Usmanova is a highly accomplished Russian rhythmic gymnastics coach, serving as the head coach of the Russian national team and president of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation. She has also held the position of vice president of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Technical Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation. Viner-Usmanova has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to global sports, notably becoming the first gymnastics coach to receive the prestigious Olympic Order. Her coaching prowess is evidenced by her pupils winning multiple Olympic all-around titles, solidifying her status as one of the most successful gymnastics coaches in history.

Olga Nikolayevna Kaniskina is a Russian coach and former race walker known for her achievements in international competitions. She has won several medals, including a gold at the 2007 World Championships and the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 20 km walk event. Kaniskina also set a Championship record at the 2008 IAAF World Race Walking Cup. However, her career was marred by disqualifications due to doping violations, which led to her exclusion from competition for several years.

Yelena Davydova is a renowned Russian-Canadian gymnastics coach and judge with an illustrious career in the sport. She achieved success as an individual all-around champion at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. Currently, she owns and leads Gemini Gymnastics in Ontario, Canada, and has also served as a coach for the Canadian Women's Artistic Gymnastics Team. Additionally, she holds the position of head floor judge at prestigious events like the 2016 Rio Olympics and was elected as a member of the International Gymnastics Federation's Women Technical Committee in 2016.

Evgeny Bareev is a renowned Russian-Canadian chess player, trainer, and writer. He achieved the FIDE Grandmaster title in 1989 and was ranked fourth globally in the international rankings in 1992 and 2003, boasting an impressive Elo rating of 2739. Throughout his professional career, Bareev has made significant contributions to the world of chess through his exceptional skills, strategic insights, and dedication to the game. As both a player and a trainer, he has left a lasting impact on the chess community with his knowledge and expertise.

Talant Dujshebaev is a former handball player turned coach, currently leading Vive Kielce. Known as one of the top handball coaches of his era, he transitioned from playing for various national teams to coaching successfully. His primary position as a player was in the centre backcourt. Dujshebaev achieved early coaching success with BM Ciudad Real before taking on the role of coaching Kielce, where he has maintained a strong presence for almost a decade.

Vera Nikolaevna Shatalina is a highly respected Russian Rhythmic gymnastics coach, holding the prestigious title of Honored Coach of Russia. Throughout her illustrious career, she has trained and guided numerous world and Olympic champions, including renowned athletes such as Alina Kabaeva, Yulia Barsukova, Olga Kapranova, Diana Borisova, and the talented twin sisters Arina and Dina Averina. Shatalina's expertise and dedication have played a significant role in shaping the success of these gymnasts at the highest levels of competition, solidifying her reputation as a top coach in the sport.

Nikolai Alexandrovich Morozov is a former competitive ice dancer, figure skating coach, and choreographer from Russia. Throughout his career, he represented Russia, Belarus, and Azerbaijan in various competitions. Morozov has coached several notable figure skaters to success, including guiding Shizuka Arakawa to an Olympic gold medal in 2006 and Miki Ando to two World titles. He has also competed internationally as an ice dancer, partnering with Tatiana Navka for Belarus and participating in various championships with other partners representing Azerbaijan and Russia.

Vladimir Romanovich Alekno is a prominent figure in the world of volleyball, known for his successful career as both a player and coach. He began his volleyball journey in 1984 and later transitioned to coaching, leading the Russian national volleyball team to victory in various prestigious competitions, including the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and bronze in 2008. Alekno's coaching prowess was further recognized when he was appointed as the head coach of the Iran national volleyball team in 2020.

Evgeny Sveshnikov was a renowned Russian chess player and writer known for his significant contribution to the world of chess. He gained recognition for developing the Sveshnikov Variation of the Sicilian Defence, a strategic opening that has been widely studied and utilized by chess players worldwide. In 1977, he was honored with the title of Grandmaster by FIDE, showcasing his exceptional skills and expertise in the game. Throughout his professional career, Sveshnikov made a lasting impact on the chess community through his innovations and achievements.

Anna Levandi is an Estonian former competitive figure skater of Russian origin who represented the former Soviet Union in international competition. She achieved notable success in her career, including winning the World silver medal in 1984 and being a four-time European bronze medalist. After retiring from competitive skating, Levandi transitioned to coaching and currently works as a coach in Tallinn, Estonia. Her expertise and experience in figure skating have allowed her to mentor and guide aspiring skaters in their own athletic journeys.

Daria Kondakova is a renowned Russian retired rhythmic gymnast, having achieved significant success during her career. She holds multiple World and European all-around silver medals, as well as Grand Prix Final all-around silver medals. Under the guidance of coach Anna Shumilova, she excelled in the sport and later transitioned into coaching and choreography. Daria now shares her expertise as a rhythmic gymnastics coach, continuing to contribute to the development of future gymnasts in the field.

Anatoly Vladimirovich Tarasov was a prominent figure in the world of ice hockey, renowned for his contributions as a player and coach. He is credited with revolutionizing Soviet ice hockey and establishing the national team as a dominant force in international competition. Tarasov's innovative coaching techniques and strategic vision led to numerous successes, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame and the IIHF Hall of Fame. His impact on the sport remains influential, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the development of Russian ice hockey.

Mark Dvoretsky was a prominent figure in the world of chess, known for his expertise as a trainer, writer, and International Master. He gained recognition for his exceptional coaching abilities, guiding numerous players to success at various levels. Dvoretsky authored several highly acclaimed chess books, which have become essential resources for aspiring players. His impact on the chess community was profound, influencing the development of countless individuals and leaving a lasting legacy as a respected and influential figure in the realm of chess training and literature.

Arkady Nikitich Vorobyov was a prominent Soviet and Russian weightlifter, weightlifting coach, scientist, and writer. He achieved great success in weightlifting, winning multiple Olympic medals and setting numerous world records during the 1950s and 1960s. Vorobyov also made significant contributions to the field of sports science, earning a PhD and habilitation for his research on weightlifting training. As a coach and educator, he influenced the development of weightlifting programs in the Soviet Union and beyond, training elite athletes and coaches from various countries.

Stanislav Alekseyevich Zhuk was a prominent figure skater and coach from the Soviet Union. He achieved success as a pair skater, winning multiple silver medals at the European Figure Skating Championships and participating in the 1960 Winter Olympics. Transitioning to coaching, Zhuk played a vital role in the success of pairs such as Irina Rodnina and Alexander Zaitsev, as well as Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov. Known for his expertise and dedication, Zhuk made a lasting impact on the world of figure skating through his coaching career.

Vladimir Valeryevich Bure is a former Russian freestyle swimmer who later transitioned into becoming a fitness coach for the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a passion for sports and physical fitness, utilizing his expertise to train professional athletes. Bure's experience as a swimmer likely provided him with valuable insights into conditioning and training methods that he now applies in his role as a fitness coach for a professional hockey team.

Vladimir Aliverovich Nazlymov is a former sabre fencer and coach known for his success in both the USSR and the United States. He won three team Olympic sabre gold medals and served as the head coach of the Soviet Union Military Fencing Team for 14 years. Nazlymov later coached in the United States, notably at Ohio State University, before retiring following an NCAA investigation. He currently works as a coach at the Nazlymov Fencing Foundation, which was established by his son and daughter-in-law.

Abdulmanap Magomedovich Nurmagomedov was a renowned Russian military veteran, former judoka, and combat sports coach recognized for his exceptional achievements in combat sambo coaching. He gained widespread acclaim as the head coach of Eagles MMA, where he mentored top athletes, including UFC champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. In September 2019, he was honored by the Russian Book of Records for his unparalleled success in combat sambo coaching, solidifying his reputation as one of the most accomplished coaches in the country.

Dmitry Vladimirovich Bilozerchev is a highly accomplished Russian gymnastics coach and retired gymnast who represented the Soviet Union. He is regarded as one of the most successful gymnasts in history, having won multiple World All-Around Championships and Olympic gold medals. Known for his exceptional form and technique, Bilozerchev made a remarkable comeback after a severe leg injury to continue competing at the highest level. He later moved to the United States where he owns and coaches at a gymnastics academy.

Eteri Tutberidze is a highly successful figure skating coach known for her work with female single skaters. As the head coach at the Sambo 70 skating club in Moscow, she has trained numerous Russian skaters to achieve great success in international competitions. Her notable proteges include Olympic champions, World champions, and European champions such as Anna Shcherbakova, Alexandra Trusova, Kamila Valieva, Alena Kostornaia, Alina Zagitova, Evgenia Medvedeva, and Yulia Lipnitskaya. Tutberidze's coaching expertise and dedication have solidified her reputation as one of the top coaches in the figure skating world.

Lidiya Pavlovna Skoblikova is a retired Russian speed skater and coach who achieved great success during her career. She represented the USSR Olympic team in multiple Winter Games, winning a total of six gold medals, a record she shares with Dutch speed skater Ireen Wüst. Skoblikova also dominated at the world championships and USSR National Championships, earning numerous gold medals in various distances. Known for her historic achievements, she was the first athlete to win six gold medals at the Winter Olympics and four gold medals at a single Olympic Winter Games.

Galina Ivanovna Zybina is a retired Soviet and Russian athlete and coach, known for her achievements in shot put and javelin throw. She competed in multiple Olympics, winning medals and setting numerous world and national records. Zybina emphasized technique over strength throughout her career, both as a competitor and a coach. After retiring from competitive sports, she continued to work as an athletics coach. Despite being excluded from the 1968 Olympics, she remained one of the top Soviet shot putters at the time.