Young gymnasts dream of standing on the Olympic stage, gold medals around their necks. But Timur Abdullin knows that there’s greater than just the Olympics on this life, and he makes sure to show his students how gymnastics will help them beyond the gym and into the longer term.
Former member of town and national junior team of his native Kazakhstan, Timur excelled at gymnastics throughout his youth. When injuries took their toll, he ended his 16-year skilled profession and as an alternative found a brand new focus in the event of the youth program.
He studied on the University of Physical Culture and Sports, where his thesis focused on young athletes’ mental and physical preparation. In 2000, he began to educate and work within the Olympic Reserve sports school, concentrating on student-athletes.
University and The Start of Coaching
Timur graduated from the university in 2003, then went on to receive his certificate of international coaching cum laude from the International Federation of Gymnastics in 2009. Then, he began his profession as a judge, awarding prizes at major competitions, including the World Championships, Student Universiades, and the Olympic Games.
Throughout his profession, one thing that struck Abdullin as concerning was seeing the effect of years of difficult training on young athletes, focused so sharply on their athletic prowess that left the remainder of their still-forming lives on the wayside. Determined to do what he could to balance that, Timur redirected their energies to turn into each successful athletes and revered members of their communities and the world at large.
How Gymnastics Can Teach Life Skills
Gymnastics, by nature, is a person sport counting on training the body to finish complicated and controlled maneuvers. Precision is all the things. That sort of commitment and focus is so much for any athlete, but especially for young athletes who’re striving for the acceptance of their families, coaches, and teams. A highly expert gymnast has a profession of 10 to fifteen years on average–which, if it began in youth, can mean many gymnasts are of their early twenties and burned out.
With their entire lives ahead of them and without the right coping skills and worldly experience, many former athletes turn to other outlets–fairly often drugs and alcohol.
Abdullin wanted to emphasise the importance of the entire person for his students. He focuses on demonstrating to his young athletes that they’re leaders of their communities and want to steer by example. Developing their personalities, continuing their education, and learning handle disappointment and frustration in healthy ways are hallmarks of Abdullin’s coaching.
Opportunity in America
Timur Abdullin began his profession in the US in 2020. He became a senior trainer at Universal Gymnastics Academy in North Port, Florida. At the identical time, he continued his coaching profession, including as a sitting judge of the US Nationals in Tampa, Florida.
While in Florida, he received his accreditation as a United States Gymnastics Federation member and commenced training his team at his gymnastics club. Timur also has the pleasure of qualifying gymnasts for university scholarships, with three former students preparing and succeeding.
Timur’s newest position is as a senior coach at Metropolitan Gymnastics in Seattle, Washington. Metropolitan Gymnastics has an award-winning national development program for boys and a Junior Elite program that Abdullin runs.
One among his shining stars is Jonah Soltz, a Men’s Developmental Program member. Soltz took fifth within the 2023 US Gymnastics Championship and sixth on the Men’s Developmental National Championships. Most significantly, Jonah also has an entire life outside of the gym, something Abdullin is pleased with.
For Timur Abdullin, while gymnastics could also be beautiful, they’re not the one thing in life. Personal development is more vital than achieving results, something he plans to prioritize for the subsequent ten years as head coach of his gymnasium.
Vision and Legacy
Coach Timur Abdullin’s arrival at Metropolitan Gymnastics heralds a brand new era of ambition and aspiration for the boys’s gymnastics program. With a forward-looking vision, Coach Timur is devoted to sustaining and enhancing the wealthy history of excellence that this system is understood for.
His leadership philosophy is rooted in creating an environment that prioritizes excellence, dedication, and growth, each on and off the gymnastics floor. Coach Timur’s approach will not be nearly refining the physical skills of his gymnasts but additionally about nurturing their mental toughness and fervour for the game.
Under his guidance, young gymnasts are encouraged to dream big and work tirelessly towards achieving their personal best. Coach Timur’s commitment to inspiring these athletes is clear within the personalized attention and mentorship he provides.
By leveraging the strong foundation established by previous generations of coaches and gymnasts, he goals to contribute significantly to the legacy of Metropolitan Gymnastics, ensuring its fame for producing top-tier athletes continues to grow.
Coaching Staff
The success of Metropolitan Gymnastics’ men’s program is a testament to the collective effort and expertise of its award-winning coaching staff, with Coach Timur Abdullin playing a pivotal role. As a specialist overseeing Levels 8-9 / Junior Elite (JE) gymnasts, his expertise is crucial in preparing athletes for the upper echelons of competitive gymnastics. Coach Timur’s role is instrumental in developing the technical skills, discipline, and competitive mindset required at these advanced levels.
The coaching team at Metropolitan Gymnastics is a mix of experience, passion, and dedication. Steven Schmerber, serving because the Men’s Program Director, focuses his efforts on nurturing young talents in Levels 5-7 / Future Stars.
His leadership ensures that the foundational skills are solidly built, setting the stage for advanced development. Yury Kartzev, an Optional Coach for Levels 9 and 10, brings a wealth of information and experience to the team, specializing in fine-tuning the gymnasts’ skills and routines for elite competitions.
This collaborative coaching team is the backbone of the gymnastics program, ensuring that every gymnast receives the guidance and support needed to excel. Their combined efforts foster a culture of excellence, where every gymnast is inspired to push their limits and achieve their best. The team’s dedication to skill refinement and competitive success has made Metropolitan Gymnastics a nurturing ground for champions.
