Vera Shtelbaums


Vera Efremovna Shtelbaums is a Russian rhythmic gymnastics coach.

Coaching career

Following her graduation from the Omsk Institute of Physical Education in 1959, Shtelbaums worked as a head rhythmic gymnastics coach at the Omsk State School of Olympic Reserve. She remained in this position for over 25 years.
Shtelbaums has coached multiple Olympic and World Champions, notably Evgenia Kanaeva, Irina Tchachina and Ksenia Dudkina. She was the personal coach of Kanaeva since 2003 and Tchachina since 1993.
She is currently a member of the Presidium of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, and leads the Omsk regional center of rhythmic gymnastics. She is an Honored coach of Russia and Honored Worker of Physical Culture.

Personal life

She has one daughter, Elena Arais, who is also a rhythmic gymnastics coach and choreographer. Her husband, Nikolay Shtelbaums, was a former Soviet speedskater.

Notable trainees

She has trained multiple World and Olympic champions including: