Eugenia Kanaeva stops sport career

Election and Report Conference of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation was held in Novogorsk (Russian Olympic village) on December 4, 2012, where Eugenia Kanaeva was elected as vice-president of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation. After that famous gymnast claimed that she retired from elite sport.

“I thought it wasn’t necessary to claim that earlier. Gradually things were coming to this. Most probably I’ve stopped my career. Of course, I could stay and plough on. I can’t exclude that I will continue my career not only as vice-president of the Federation, but also as a coach”, - says gymnast.

Eugenia Kanaeva became first in rhythmic gymnastics history double Olympic champion in Individuals All –Around, having won London Olympics after Beijing 2008. She won World Championships 17 times, leaving behind her predecessors Irina Chaschina and Alina Kabaeva.

Even some months ago Eugenia couldn’t exclude her participation in Brazilian Olympic Games.

“I had to work hard in order to make success in London, that’s why now I need rest. But it doesn’t mean that I’m going to retire”, - said Eugenia at a press conference in September. “I managed to show great results during many years. I don’t know if I will break stereotypes and try to achieve a title of triple Olympic champion, we’ll see.”

Irina Viner was also unanimously re-elected as president of the Federation for another 4 years. She offered this post to Irina Chaschina, but she refused. “I think young people should come and take over the reins, but they definitely must be good at rhythmic gymnastics”, - said president of Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation and than Irina Viner added, that she pins her hopes on Eugenia Kanaeva. Probably, Eugenia will become the president of the Federation in future.

Here's the last performance of double Olympic Champion Eugenia Kanaeva.

Brilliant as usual!