Happy Birthday Irina Tchachina!

As it turns out, April 24 is the birthday of another gymnast from Omsk--Irina Tchachina!!

That must have been interesting to have the same birthday as her coach!!

Irina Tchachina won the silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.
She was known for her very powerful jumps.

See, for example, here:


She was also someone whom Zhenya looked up to, and trained alongside, for many years...

Little Zhenya looking down at Ira

Zhenya even used some of Ira's old leos...

Zhenya on left, Ira on right

Ira giving Zhenya some words of advice

Nowadays, they still see each other since they're both Vice Presidents of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation

Happy Birthday Ira and best wishes for the future!!