Evgenia Sergeevna Shelgunova (Russian: Евгения Сергеевна Шелгунова; born August 14, 1997) is a retired Russian group rhythmic gymnast. She is an Olympic silver medalist, multiple World champion, and European champion.
Career
Shelgunova began her career in rhythmic gymnastics in Russia. She progressed through the national system, eventually becoming a prominent member of the Russian national rhythmic gymnastics group, known for its consistent excellence in international competitions.
Junior Career As a junior competitor, Shelgunova was part of the Russian group that achieved success at the 2013 European Junior Championships. At this event, held in Vienna, Austria, the Russian group secured the gold medal in the group all-around competition, showcasing their early potential.
Senior Career Shelgunova transitioned to the senior national group, where she contributed to a series of significant victories:
- 2013 World Championships: She was a member of the Russian group that won the gold medal in the 3 ribbons + 2 hoops final at the World Championships held in Kyiv, Ukraine.
- 2014 European Championships: The Russian group, including Shelgunova, continued their dominance by securing the gold medal in the 10 clubs final at the European Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.
- 2015 European Games: At the inaugural European Games, also held in Baku, Shelgunova and her teammates earned the gold medal in the 5 ribbons event and a silver medal in the 6 clubs + 2 hoops event, demonstrating their versatility.
- 2015 World Championships: At the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, Shelgunova was part of the Russian group that claimed the gold medal in the 6 clubs + 2 hoops final and a silver medal in the group all-around, further cementing their status as a top contender.
- 2016 Summer Olympics: The pinnacle of her competitive career came at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Shelgunova, alongside her teammates Vera Biryukova, Anastasia Bliznyuk, Anastasia Maksimova, and Maria Tolkacheva, won the silver medal in the group all-around competition, a significant achievement on the world stage.
Retirement Following her success at the 2016 Olympic Games, Evgenia Shelgunova concluded her competitive career in rhythmic gymnastics.