The Foundational Impact Series highlights those who support or have been supported by the USA Gymnastics Foundation in their mission to aid the American gymnastics community.
In awe of the sport and committed to seeing its popularity and prestige grow in America, Yev and Anna Kuznetsov are working together with the USA Gymnastics Foundation to support the U.S. rhythmic gymnastics prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles – and beyond.
Having grown up watching and supporting gymnastics in their native Russia, the husband and wife now live in LA where they met 20 years ago and have a front-row seat to the fervor surrounding the upcoming 2028 Games. Their love for gymnastics has become deeply personal as well, with their children, Nikita and Alisa, now training in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. Through their kids’ experiences, the Kuznetsovs have seen firsthand how the sport has become such a positive force in their family, shaping who they are today, and motivating their decision to give back in a meaningful way.
While personally familiar with the discipline and knowing how popular rhythmic gymnastics is in their home country, the couple were first able to witness world class rhythmic action up close at the 2024 Olympics in Paris last summer.
The Kuznetsovs instantly knew they wanted to be part of the narrative, donating $25,000 to the USA Gymnastics Foundation to support the U.S. rhythmic program. Both having a financial background, with Yev working in investment management and Anna holding an accounting degree from California State University, Northridge, the duo knew this was a venture worth pursuing.
“That experience left an unforgettable impression on us,” the pair said. “We’re also energized by the U.S. talent pool, including all of the success Evita [Griskenas] has had on the international stage and also the up-and-coming rhythmic gymnasts, many of which are Southern California natives.”
One of those natives is Rin Keys from Porter Ranch, California, who trains at Burlo Gymnastics. An athlete who has etched her name into the American history books two-times over, Keys is the first U.S. gymnast to win World Championships medals for the country at both the junior and senior levels.
“We care deeply about rhythmic gymnastics and earnestly believe that it’s a great activity for athletes of all ages and abilities,” the Kuznetsovs said. “Our donation is modest in the grand scheme of things, but it’s very meaningful for our family and we hope to lead by example.”
With their family already enmeshed in the sport, the couple is deepening their ties to the gymnastics community and plan to continue working with USA Gymnastics and the Foundation to make a difference.
“We certainly want to do more – be more engaged and contribute time and resources [to the sport],” they stated. “We are passionate about rhythmic gymnastics and want it to grow and succeed in this country.”
For more information on the USA Gymnastics Foundation and how to support its mission, visit usagymfoundation.org. Information on “Major Gifts” such as the Kuznetsov’s donation, can be found on the Major Giving page of the Foundation’s website or by contacting Debbie Hesse, Executive Director at [email protected].
