Stanisław Żuk

Stanisław Żuk (also often transliterated as Stanislav Zhuk; born July 25, 1935, in Rybkino, Oryol Oblast, USSR, died November 27, 1998, in Moscow, Russia) was a Soviet figure skating coach. He is considered one of the most influential and controversial figures in the history of the sport.

Żuk was known for his innovative coaching methods, which emphasized athleticism and difficult technical elements. He trained numerous Olympic and World champions, including Irina Rodnina (initially with Alexei Ulanov, then later with Alexander Zaitsev), Alexander Gorelik, and Stanislav Leonovich. His skaters were known for their high-flying jumps and intricate pairs elements.

His career was marked by both success and scandal. He faced accusations of abusive training methods, including excessive physical and psychological pressure on his skaters. He was dismissed from his coaching position with the Soviet national team in the late 1980s, reportedly due to conflicts with skating officials and skaters.

Despite the controversies, Żuk's impact on figure skating is undeniable. He helped to revolutionize the sport by pushing the boundaries of technical difficulty and emphasizing a more athletic style. His legacy continues to influence coaches and skaters around the world.