Russian ‘exorcist’ swimming coach filmed ‘torturing’ babies in brutal lessons she claims can cure their disabilities
A RUSSIAN “exorcist” swimming coach filmed “torturing” babies in brutal lessons claims she can cure their disabilities.
Horrific footage shows Elena Rodionova forcing them first into the water before tossing them around during a pool gymnastics session in Krasnodar, Russia.
The footage has gone viral in Russia with critics warning parents that the children are not able to breathe, and are at risk of suffering from brain haemorrhages.
But Ms Rodionova urges parents to ignore their advice as she continues to claim her “water gymnastics” boosts child development.
Olga, a huge fan of Ms Rodinova’s work, claimed the controversial coach “was sent by God” .
She said: “She taught my child a great deal but I never argue with her.
“My child with cerebral palsy began to walk… If you do not know Elena, you do not know what miracles she performs.
“I will be grateful to her for the rest of my life.
“All coaches need to work in this way, and not just splash water.”
‘SHE WAS SENT BY GOD’
Ella Starkova said her infant was swimming “independently” after a year and half with Rodionova.
Her child’s speech and mental development “accelerated significantly”, she claimed.
She added: “Our child swims independently, pulls up, refuses to leave the pool.
“She gives him such enthusiasm and joy every lesson.”
Coach Natalia Kostromina said children should feel love not trauma.
“Kids can be taught everything with the help of soft, gentle workouts that are comfortable.”
Rodionova’s classes amount to “continuous violations….tumbling forwards, and tossing babies in this way should be prohibited.”
She branded the technique “scary” and said: “Many coaches who see Elena’s videos worry about the health of these kids.”
Paediatrician and neonatologist Elena Ignatieva warned: “Such actions with a child should not be allowed.
“They can lead to health and psychological impairment of the child’s development.
“Any somersaults under water, forwards or backwards, even sideways, are physiologically unfounded.
“This is the risk of inhaling under water, and hypoxic brain haemorrhages.
“In the future children can develop kinetosis (motion sickness).”
MOST READ WORLD NEWS
Rodionova hasn’t always commented on her methods.
But she told her supporters: “We and especially parents do not need the ‘official’ advice to give birth, and grow your children.
“We, with the parents of our children, will decide for ourselves what and how to do things.”
The coach has trained coaches to work in Germany and Spain, reports have said.
She has also trained at least 50 coaches in Russia to work in 17 swimming centres.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.