Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Champion Completes Career at 19
Anna Popova in 2024 underwent a complex operation on the spine. She finished her career, but is going to participate in sports shows
Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Champion in 2023 Anna Popova (Gogoleva) completed her sports career at the age of 19. She wrote about this on Instagram (owned by Meta, the company is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia).
“I remain in gymnastics as an artist: I will perform at concerts and sports shows, participate in projects, conduct master classes and share my experience,” she wrote.
In 2023, Popova became the champion of Russia in personal all-around, ahead of Maria Borisova and Lala Kramarenko.
At the end of 2024, Popova underwent spinal surgery. In May 2025, former head coach of the Russian national team Irina Viner said that the gymnast has “four titanium vertebrae in her spine”, but she “will still dance and perform.”.
In August, Popova married hockey player Pavel Gogolev.
