Albina Deriugina, the legend of rhythmic gymnastics, dies

The legendary Ukrainian rhythmic gymnastics coach Albina Deriugina, 91, passed away 

The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine shared the sad news on Facebook.

Albina Deriugina came to rhythmic gymnastics in its early days and was the founder of this sport in Ukraine. Over the years, she has trained many generations of gymnasts who have won Olympic awards, world and European championships. 

Among them: Olha Shchegoleva, Olha Plokhova, Victoria Sirykh, Lyudmila Yevtushenko, Irina Deriugina, Oleksandra Tymoshenko, Oksana Skaldina, Elina Khozlu, Tamara Yerofeeva, Hanna Bezsonova, Natalia Hodunko, and Anna Rizatdinova.

Albina Deriuhina was a Hero of Ukraine and served as a member of the executive committee of Ukrainian NOC.