fbpx
Site logo

--- Advertisement ---

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Bangkok Faces: Olga Balachina, Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach

Your Name: Olga Balachina

Job Title: Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach/Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer, Universe Gymnastics (Pattaya & Bangkok)

What is your nationality and background?

I am a Russian. Born and raised in Moscow. Graduated from Moscow Sports Academy. Been working in Gymnastics/Fitness field for the last 20 years.

What is your profession?

I am a Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach/Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer

What are the key skills and responsibilities of this role?

A good coach is a mentor to a child and is responsible for his or her growth, well-being and safety. It is very important to know about physiology and the human body. A coach needs to know how to push a child a little further, beyond their capabilities, but without injuring the body. Only proper physical education and years of experience can give a good sense of judgment on how much is too much.

Also it is very important for a coach to be a role model, friend and motivator to a child. As much as I try to make my classes interactive and exciting, sport is not always fun. Competition can be a very nerve racking experience. Having a good supportive coach gives the child a lot of confidence, takes off some pressure and helps them grow.

How did you get involved in your profession?

My parents took me to the Olympic Reserve School next to my house when I was 5 years old. I started winning local competitions at a very young age. By 16, I earned “Master of Sport” – an honorable title in Russian sport career. That same year I started my coaching and fitness career and never stopped ever since.

How does your role enhance the wellbeing or experience of children?

Participation in gymnastics helps children become physically active, and stay fit and healthy. I think many will agree with me that Rhythmic Gymnastics is one of the most beautiful sports for girls. Beautiful posture, flexibility and fit body will stay with the girls for a lifetime.

What challenges do your face in this role?

One of the biggest challenges I face here in Asia is to raise my own champions. As a majority of my children are expats, their families stay in Thailand only temporarily. By the time I see that a child has a bright future in gymnastics and we start wining competitions together, very often the family has to leave. It is always very emotional for me to let my children go. At the moment, I have a group of talented girls who have been training in Universe Pattaya for the last 3 years. They are very promising and already taking places in local competitions. I really hope this group stays with me for many more years and I see them grow and progress in the international gymnastics scene. And of course, I hope to raise more little champions here in Bangkok.

What do you hope to achieve within your industry?

I really hope to develop the gymnastics scene in Thailand the same way it has been developed in Russia. In Russia, gymnastics is not just a hobby, it is a lifestyle. There are boarding schools for talented kids where they train free of charge. There are gymnastics summer camps, gymnastics events and competitions all year around. It is one of the most popular sports in Russia. I really hope, with my efforts and hard work, that we can contribute to the same level of popularity of gymnastics in Thailand as it is in Russia.

Who or what inspires you?

Irina Viner – president of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation and head coach of the Russian national team. She raised several Olympic champions and took soviet gymnastics to a whole new level. Today Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics is one of the most “fashionable” and popular sports amongst girls. She is a very talented and inspiring woman who achieved a lot in life.

Only a Bangkok local would know…

The best “free” gym in Bangkok is “Lumpini Park”. Mummies don’t need to buy an expensive membership to be fit or pay for a nanny to watch the kids while you work out. Just put your trainers on, take your kids and their bicycles – and go ahead!

IMG_2116
Register your email address here and we’ll notify you when a new article gets uploaded.

Pssst... like what you're reading?

Join our community and never miss an event, post or update!

Just enter your email address below:

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Follow Us!

Upcoming Events

HELLO KITTY Exhibition : Celebration of Friendship

Central World 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan,, Bangkok 10330, Bangkok, Thailand

Hello Kitty Exhibition: Celebration of Friendship To bring cuteness and brightness to fans! *The images in the exhibition are for advertising purposes only. Buy tickets now and receive special souvenirs […]

Please Contact

Sanrio Characters : The Funtastic Exhibition

Central World 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan,, Bangkok 10330, Bangkok, Thailand

Sanrio characters: Funtastic Exhibition Where Sanrio fans gather to have fun to the max *The images inside the exhibition are for advertising purposes only Buy tickets now at: www.icvticket.com Ticket […]

Please Contact

Wellington College International Bangkok – Football Training

Wellington College International Bangkok 18 Krungthep Kreetha Road Saphan Sung District, Bangkok, Thailand

Join us here at Wellington for the finest football training in town! Our Wellington Extra providers, Galaxy, have lots of extra opportunities on their programmes this year. If your child […]

฿12000 – ฿35200

BimBi Italiani – Imparando l’Italiano

Salesian Sisters Foundation Saladaeng Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand +1 more

ANNOUNCEMENT : ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR "IMPARANDO L'ITALIANO" IN BANGKOK,THAILAND For everyone in , BimBi Italiani has reopened registration for the weekly group language courses for children in Imparando l'Italiano from September […]

฿610 – ฿8610

Asobiba Art Exhibition

XSPACE GALLERY 71 15 Pridi Banomyong 14 Alley, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana,, Bangkok, Thailand

“Asobiba” Group exhibition by Nagoya University of the Arts and the Department of Fine Arts at KMITL At Xspace Gallery, Bangkok. (Main Hall) SHOW PERIOD: September 7 – December 22, […]

Please Contact
Get The Latest Updates

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get the latest kid and family-friendly activities and events in your inbox every Thursday! No spam, guaranteed.

More information

You May Also Like...

Group kids play on festive camp at night

Festive Winter Camp Guide

Holiday breaks are a time for students to step back and refresh from the first academic semester. While many families will use this an another opportunity to continue exploring Thailand,

Christmas Events in Bangkok

Are you looking to get in the holiday spirit? Or perhaps you’re ready to tick of all of those things your kiddos have on their list to Santa? Have no

BKK Kids Halloween Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Bangkok

Kids Halloween Events in Bangkok Top 10 Halloween Party Games for Kids  Top 10 Spooky Songs for Your Ultimate Halloween Party Where to Find Halloween Costumes & Decorations in Bangkok