The challenge of coaching young athletes

Marina Fateeva, who led the rhythmic gymnastics ensemble to success at the Worlds, talks about the many roles she must play

SPYRIDOULA SPANEA

Among the country's sporting teams, the rhythmic gymnastics ensemble has solidified into one of the most successful performers in major international competition over recent years. Distinctions include a bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, and, just days ago, gold and bronze medals at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in New Orleans. Without doubt, the team ranks as a medal contender for the Athens Olympics in 2004.

At the helm is Marina Fateeva, the team's Russian trainer, a former athlete who had led Soviet and Russian national sides before assuming her post five years ago.

As an athlete, the 47-year-old Fateeva failed to rake in glory but has found her metier in training. She led the Soviet Union's junior side in 1985, and, four years later, took over as trainer of the seniors' squad to produce medal-winning performances at World and European Championships. Her training tenure at home culminated with a bronze medal - for Russia - at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. Fateeva then moved to Greece the following year to take over as trainer of a national team with little tradition in world gymnastics.

She quickly established a sturdy junior's team which has been nurtured to senior level. Encouragingly, Fateeva's five-member ensemble at the recent World Championships in New Orleans combined new and older blood. Three members - Haritini Ioannou, Liana Christidou and Zenia Kondelia - were competing at an international level for the first time, while the other two - Hara Karyami and Clelia Pantazi - were members of the ensemble team which took bronze at the Sydney Olympics.

The nature of rhythmic gymnastics, which puts unripe youngsters into senior-level competition, places extra demands on team trainers. «I've got to be a mother, psychologist, dietician, doctor and girlfriend all at once. At this stage, personality is still developing. The schedule is gruelling at times. That's when the complaints, crying and anguish surface,» said Fateeva. «Distinction is a basic motive. Everything is forgotten once they've stepped onto the pedestal and are listening to the national anthem,» she added.

The problems confronted are the same everywhere, Fateeva asserted, but the trainer did distinguish differences between Greek and Russian - as well as Soviet - sporting systems. «Things were easier in the Soviet Union. The gymnasts came to the national team almost fully prepared. Here, we've got to take it from the beginning. In a year, we need to help a Greek gymnast rectify errors that go back many years,» Fateeva said.

Missing from her medals collection is an Olympic gold medal, but Fateeva hopes to complete the tally in Athens. «Greece is expecting good things in 2004 and we must try to not disappoint,» said Fateeva. «Very serious preparations will be made. The road is difficult, both short and long, because time flies when you're working.»