Neshka Robeva

Neshka Stefanova Robeva (Bulgarian: Нешка Стефанова Робева; born 26 May 1946) is a Bulgarian former rhythmic gymnast and coach.

Neshka Robeva
Personal information
Born	(1946-05-26) 26 May 1946 (age 79) Rousse, Bulgaria
Gymnastics career
Discipline	Rhythmic gymnastics
Country represented	Bulgaria
Medal record Representing  Bulgaria World Championships 1969 Varna All-around 1969 Varna Free-hand 1969 Varna Hoop 1967 Copenhagen Free-hand 1969 Varna Rope 1973 Rotterdam Hoop 1973 Rotterdam Ball

Biography

Born in Rousse, Robeva moved to Sofia at 14 to study at the Bulgarian State Choreography School.^[1] She graduated from the School in "Bulgarian Dances" in 1966 and was a member of the Bulgarian national rhythmic gymnastics squad until 1973. She took part in four World Championships (1967, 1969, 1971, 1973).

In 1974 Robeva graduated from the High Institute for Sports (now National Sports Academy) and started work as a coach at the "Levski-Spartak" club. The same year she was appointed head coach of the Bulgarian National Team and she remained in that position until 1999. This was a very successful period for Bulgarian rhythmic gymnastics.

Robeva was noted both for success as a coach and for encouraging each gymnast to develop a sense of musical sensitivity and artistry. She would allow her gymnasts to go to discos and see how they danced to inspire the choreography for their routines.^[1]

However, Robeva has also been criticized for imposing harsh discipline and regimen on her trainees. Former gymnasts recounted physical and psychological abuse, including extreme control over their weight and being beaten.^[1][2][3] Robeva admitted to practices such as beating her gymnasts and continuing trainings past midnight.^[1][3]

The 25 years under Robeva's leadership are remembered as the "Golden Girls Century" of the Bulgarian school in rhythmic gymnastics and her European and World champions as the "Golden Girls of Bulgaria". The successes of several generations of Bulgarian gymnasts are closely related with her name. Her gymnasts won 294 World, European and Olympic medals.^[1]

In 1988 Robeva was the choreographer and dance producer for the dance in the film Acatamus from the director Georgi Djulgerov. From 1993 until 1997 she was a member of the European Gymnastics Committee. Robeva is currently the president of the Levski rhythmic gymnastics club.