Yuri Stepanov, Coach of Olympic Champions, Farewelled in Volgograd
A farewell was held in Volgograd for the famous coach who raised Olympic rowing champions, Yuri Stepanov. The celebrated mentor of many renowned athletes, who survived the death of his own son, passed away at the age of 85.
The renowned coach passed away on January 23. Information about his death appeared in the «Russian Canoe Federation» group.
«Yuri Matveyevich entered the coaching profession in 1964, immediately after graduating from the Volgograd Institute of Physical Culture. While many sought to work with ready-made athletes, he chose the most difficult but most honest path—the path of a teacher. He went to schools, invited all boys indiscriminately to the section, believing that the main thing is not external data, but character, tempered by the will to win,» was stated in the obituary. «Having himself gone through the harsh school of life—evacuation during the war years, service in the Northern Fleet, the toughest competitions—Yuri Stepanov knew the price of overcoming. His own silver medal at the 1967 USSR Championship, won on a 106-kilometer distance, became the main lesson for him and his future students: the most important victory is victory over oneself.»
As reported by the obituary authors, in retirement, Yuri Matveyevich took up painting. Many paintings are dedicated to the successes of his student—Olympic champion Maxim Opalev. Back in November of last year at «Museum Night,» the athlete showed paintings by his mentor and told a V1.RU correspondent that he is always in touch with him. Yuri Stepanovich was also planning to attend the event then but fell ill.
«Yuri Matveyevich was for me the first coach who put me in a boat, taught me to row. He tempered character in us, taught us not to give up not only in sports but in life, and that we should always remain human. He was always so positive, with humor. He always supported me, we were in touch. He collected newspaper clippings with me. Some interviews, articles,» Maxim Opalev tells V1.RU. «Yuri Matveyevich was a creative person. He was passionate about painting, drew on canvas, although he was self-taught. His whole day was scheduled. Creativity and sport without fail. And so it happened that on the day of his death, he went for a ski walk, took a shower, and passed away... Everything clear, like a true athlete.»
As reported by the Telegram channel «Ritual Patrol,» Yuri Stepanov was buried today at Motor Cemetery in the Dzerzhinsky district of Volgograd.
