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Ivankov Joins Illini as Visiting Assistant Coach
Nov. 11, 2008
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois head men's gymnastics coach Yoshi Hayasaki announced today the hiring of Ivan Ivankov to serve as visiting assistant coach for the 2009 season. "I'm very excited to become a part of Illinois gymnastics," Ivankov said. "I look forward to working with Coach Hayasaki and Coach Spring in the development of our gymnasts and continuing the tradition here at Illinois." The 1994 and 1997 World All-Around Champion and two-time Olympian, Ivankov has spent the last five years as a men's team coach at the Bart Connor Gymnastics Academy in Norman, Okla. During his time there he was coach to Rohan Sebastian, a Level 10 gymnast representing Ireland at the 2007 Junior European championships in Lausanne, Switzerland. One of the most accomplished gymnasts in the world over the last decade and a half, Ivankov won 10 World Championship medals, including three Gold. The Misk, Belarus, native competed at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympics. He retired from international competition in 2006 after competing at the World Championships. Ivankov achieved the highest athletic level "Master of Sport" in his native land. "I'm very pleased to bring in a person who has established himself at the World and Olympic gymnastics level," Hayasaki said. "He will be working side-by-side with our own Olympic Bronze medalist Justin Spring and with their combined knowledge at the highest level, I think this will be a `Dream Team' to lead the Illini once again to national prominence." "I'm very excited to have the opportunity to work with Ivan," Spring said. "He is a great technical coach and will help take this team to new heights." The Ivankov File Coaching Experience Competition Highlights
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