Georgian rhythmic gymnastics athlete Neli Saladze has passed away at the age of 86.

News of her death has been shared by friends and family on social media and confirmed by the Gymnastics Federation of Georgia.

Saladze was a two-time USSR group gymnastics champion (1961–1962) and won the USSR Universiade in 1964. She embarked on her coaching career in 1971 and served as Head Coach of the Georgian national team from 1976 to 1993. Under her guidance, the Soviet national team claimed the title of absolute champion in 1979. She also coached athletes at clubs in Belgium (1999–2001) and Japan (1992, 1996, 2000, and 2002).

In 1999, Saladze was awarded the Order of Honour in recognition of her outstanding personal contribution to the upbringing and education of Georgia’s younger generations, to the physical and spiritual development of children, and for her fruitful organisational, creative, and pedagogical work. In 2024, she was named an Honorary Citizen of Tbilisi.

“Madam Neli devoted her entire life to the development of rhythmic gymnastics in Georgia, to the nurturing of young athletes, and to the unwavering service of Georgian sport. Under her guidance, generation after generation of accomplished gymnasts came of age, to whom she imparted not only professional knowledge and experience, but also a love of hard work, of purposefulness, and of sport itself. Neli Saladze’s contribution to the development of Georgian rhythmic gymnastics is beyond measure. She commanded the profound respect of her colleagues, her athletes, and the entire sporting community. She will be remembered fondly by her students, colleagues, and friends, and by all who knew this remarkable woman.

The National Federation of Gymnastics of Georgia expresses its deepest sorrow and extends its most heartfelt condolences to Neli Saladze’s family, loved ones, friends, pupils, and colleagues. We share in your grief and your pain. May the memory of Neli Saladze shine eternal,” the Federation’s letter of condolence reads.