The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) recently announced that Liliya Podkopayeva, Ukrainian Olympic gold medalist has accepted the position of team coach for the MJCCA’s Perimeter Gymnastics competitive teams. Liliya is the 1995 World all-around champion, and the 1996 Olympic all-around and floor exercise champion. For more information, call 678.812.4045 or visit online at atlantajcc.org/gymnastics.
“We are thrilled to introduce Liliya as a new coach in our gymnastics program,” said MJCCA Perimeter Gymnastics Director Stacey Harris. “Liliya was an exceptional gymnast – her routines were artistically beautiful and powerful. She brings years of both competing in gymnastics and coaching experience to our program. We are pleased to welcome a coach with her level of experience and expertise to our MJCCA family.”
Liliya Podkopayeva Background
Originally from Donetsk, Ukraine, Liliya has an extensive competitive resume. Liliya competed at the 1993, 1994 and 1995 World Championships as well as the 1994 Goodwill Games. She won the all around at both the 1994 Goodwill Games and the 1995 World Championships. At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA Liliya won the all-around final with a score of 39.255. She also won the floor exercise gold medal as well as a silver medal on the balance beam.
Liliya was named to the Ukrainian team for the 1997 World Championships. However, injuries forced her to sit out of the competition and, later, to retire. She has twice appeared on Ukraine’s Dancing with the Stars, winning the competition in 2007. She was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2008. Liliya now lives with her two children in Atlanta and looks forward to sharing her gymnastics experience with Perimeter Gymnastics.
MJCCA Gymnastics
In addition to the Perimeter Gymnastics competitive teams, the MJCCA provides gymnastics classes for all ages, including: Crawlers and Tots classes, Youth (Elementary – High School) and Early Childhood Recreational Classes, Adult Gymnastics, Camps, Birthday Parties, and Private Lessons.
With 7,000 square feet of dedicated space and top-of-the-line Olympic gymnastics equipment in the Besser Gymnastics Pavilion, participants train on all four events – vault, bars, beam, and floor exercise. The MJCCA strives for each participant to enjoy gymnastics while safely developing their skills.
