Born: 1981 (Moscow, USSR)
Biography:
Elvira Ramilevna Khasyanova (Russian: Эльвира Рамилевна Хасянова: born 28 March 1981, Moscow, USSR) is a former synchronised swimmer from Russia and is the director of the Northern Europe and Russia Region for the Special Olympics. Elvira was a member of the Russian teams that won gold medals in the team competition in 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics. She also won World Championships in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2011 along with European Championships in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2010. Khasyanova has been a member of the national team since 1999. She announced her retirement on 1 November 2012 and began working for the Special Olympics organization on 1 January 2013.
Synchronized swimming demands advanced water skills. It requires great strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, artistry, and precise timing – not to mention exceptional breath control when upside down underwater. Competitors display their strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance as they perform difficult routines. Elvira Khasyanova embodies all of these traits.
Born in Moscow in 1981, her parents often took her to the Olympic swimming pool where she was taught how to swim. Just before turning seven, she was introduced to the synchronized swimming coach. “From there I started my journey with this beautiful sport,” she fondly remembers.
Khasyanova first began competing in synchronized swimming at Club Trud in Moscow, from 1988 to 2001. As she continued to improve her skills, she joined the famous MGFSO club across town in 2001, where she stayed until the end of her career. It was there that Khasyanova saw most of her success.
Elvira competed as a member of the Russian Junior National Team from 1994 through 1998. In 1996, she won gold in the team events at the Junior World Championships and at the Junior European Championships. She repeated her gold-winning performances in the duet and team events at the 1998 Junior World and the Junior European Championships.
However, it was in 1999 that Khasyanova’s dreams really began to take shape as she became a member of the Russian Senior National team. Her first competition as a National Team Member was at the FINA World Championships in 2001, in Fukuoka, Japan, where she and her teammates easily beat Japan. This marked the beginning of Russian dominance in the sport of synchronized swimming.
As a member of the Russian Senior National Team from 1999 to 2012, Elvira Khasyanova achieved incredible success. She played a vital role in the team’s gold-winning performances at the Olympics and other major championships. Her dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport contributed to the continued success of the Russian synchronized swimming team.
In addition to her achievements in the pool, Khasyanova has made a significant impact outside of sports. Following her retirement, she joined the Special Olympics organization as the director of the Northern Europe and Russia Region. In this role, she has been instrumental in promoting inclusion and providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports.
Elvira Khasyanova’s journey in synchronized swimming has not only left a mark on the sport but has also inspired many aspiring athletes. Her dedication, talent, and resilience serve as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion and striving for excellence.
Awards:
– 2004 Olympic Games: Gold (Team)
– 2008 Olympic Games: Gold (Team)
– 2012 Olympic Games: Gold (Team)
– 2001 World Championships: Gold (Team)
– 2003 World Championships: Gold (Team)
– 2005 World Championships: Gold (Team)
– 2007 World Championships: Gold (Free routine combination, Team technical routine, Team free routine)
– 2011 World Championships: Gold (Free routine combination, Team technical routine, Team free routine)