Whatever Happened to
Elena Piskun?

Elena Piskun and Svetlana Khorkina at the 1997 Defis d'Or. Photo used the expressed permission of Caroline Paulian.

Although never quite a bonafide gymnastics "star," Elena Piskun's career was stunning nonetheless. For over a half a decade, Piskun formed the backbone of Belarussian gymnastics, competing in oodles of competitions and keeping Belarus on the medal winning stand. For example, she won gold on vault at the 1993 World Championships and tied for gold on the uneven bars at the 1996 Worlds Championships. Piskun also excelled at other meets, often winning many international invitationals (e.g., 1993 Swiss Cup, 1995 South African Cup, 1996 Australian Cup).

Piskun's success is all the more impressive when you consider that the gym in her hometown of Bobruisk was too small to accomodate a full sized floor exercise mat! Despite the obstacles though, Piskun was Belarus' dependable and shining star.

In the years leading up to the 1996 Olympics, it was clear that Piskun would lead the team. Then, Boguinskaia re-emerged from professional gymnastics and stunned the world by announcing a comeback. Although in Boguinskaia's shadow, it was Piskun who truly led the 1996 Belarussian team. With few gymnasts to replace her, Piskun did not seriously contemplate retirement. Unfortunately, a nagging knee injury forced her to retire after the 1997 World Championships. Piskun immediately began coaching in her hometown of Bobruisk, but all the while was sorting out a coaching abroad.

Prior to the 1996 Olympic Games, the Belarus team acclimatized themselves to the time zone by training in Roswell, Georgia. Their hosts were very impressed with Piskun, and extended to her an open invitation to return to their home at any time. Piskun accepted in the invitation, and in July 1998 she moved to Roswell and accepted a position at Northwind Gymnastics in Alpharetta, a nearby town.

Graduates of Piskun's coaching at Northwind include Courtney Bumpers (2000 US Classic competitor) and Loren Simpson, a member of the UGA team. Piskun is also a gymnastics judge, a role she took on in 2001.

Podkopayeva (UKR), Dzyndzyak (UZB) and Piskun (BLR) at the 1999 American Cup. Photo courtesy of Rachelle and the official team UZB webpage.

Piskun coaching at the 2000 US Classic in Tulsa, OK. Images used with the expressed permission of Larry Fewell.

. This page was created on May 28, 1999 and last updated on September 30, 2003.