russian-coach-returns-to-top-contenders
Vladimir Chertkov, a native of Moscow, wanted to leave his native Russia for a warmer climate.
Beth Strazzullo was looking for a new coach to help out at her gym, Top Contenders Gymnastics.
What resulted was an unexpected, yet lasting partnership that spanned nearly 20 years, and in a way has come full circle.
Chertkov, an internationally renowned coach who has helped mentor gymnasts in several countries and continents, has temporarily returned to Top Contenders, nearly 19 years after he first arrived.
“What an honor to have someone, after 18 years, who values our friendship as much as I have,” Strazzullo said.
“Old friendships never die,” Chertkov said.
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It began as a business arrangement, Strazzullo noted. She posted a job opening and was floored when Chertkov responded.
By that point he had already established a solid resume within Russian national gymnastics.
“I thought ‘Oh my God, how did I get a man of this title here?’ I had to have a whole plan to do this,” Strazzullo said. “After attorneys and attorneys, he was here and it was a development over time.”
Chertkov didn’t even speak English, but others had spoken in such glowing terms about Florida that it felt like the right place to go.
He stayed with Strazzullo’s family after arriving in Hernando County, and began diligently working to break down the language barrier.
While Chertkov continually honed his English, Strazzullo attempted to learn some Russian. She laughs now over how little she managed to retain.
Nevertheless, Chertkov made a quick impact. That very year, 1993, Heather Peterson became the first member of Top Contenders to gain acceptance into the USA Gymnastics’ Talent Opportunity Program (TOPs).
Meanwhile Chertkov and Strazzullo grew close. She helped him return to Russia to tend to his ailing wife, with zero assurance that he’d come back. He did.
But unfortunately for Strazzullo, Chertkov’s reputation kept him in high demand. In 1994, he received a golden opportunity to open his own gym in Chicago. He was reluctant to accept.
“It changed from a business agreement to a friendship,” Strazzullo said. “I said in my life, I can never give you this same offer.”
So with her blessing Chertkov moved on to the Windy City, where he still maintains his permanent residence, and his career has continued on.
Back in 2010, while serving as coach of India’s national team, he helped Ashish Kumar make history by winning two medals at the Commonwealth Games and another at the Asian Games.
At present he does guest coaching and consulting work. He is president of American Union of Gymnastics out of Chicago.
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He has 49 years of experience in the sport, 37 of them as a coach. Among all of his travels, though, that little gym out of Spring Hill left a significant impression.
Thus when an opening in his busy schedule finally presented itself, he made his way back to Top Contenders in late January.
Right out of the gate, he produced results. On Feb. 4 at an AAU mens qualifier, 7-year-old Logan Hatfield and 11-year-old Bobby Werts placed first in their age groups for Level 4, while 10-year-old Noah Mathis took second.
Chertkov has vowed that he will build the foundation of a strong boys developmental program at Top Contenders, and bring in coaches from around the world to move it along.
It’s all part of doing what he can do to try and help an old friend and her gym achieve great things.
“I’m an old-fashioned guy because this sport is my life and I live for this sport, and I live my life for the child,” Chertkov said. “If some of the students here have the talent to go to the Olympic team, there’s no question it can happen here.”
