Olga Kuzhela

Olga Kuzhela joined the Stanford artistic swimming program as assistant coach on Dec. 10, 2025.

Kuzhela brings extensive international experience to The Farm, having competed as a member of the Russian Senior National Team from 2002-11. She captured a gold medal in the team competition at the 2008 Olympics, joining head coach Elvira Khasyanova on the podium in Beijing.

“I would like to thank Coach Elvira, John Donahoe, Richard Zhu and the Stanford community for believing in me,” said Kuzhela. “I am truly grateful and inspired to begin this new chapter, and ready to give my very best to the team.”

A 10-time career gold medalist overall, Kuzhela is also a five-time World Championships gold medalist (2005, 2007) and four-time European champion (2006, 2010) competing across a variety of routines.

Kuzhela’s appointment to assistant coach reunites her with Khasyanova, as the Cardinal’s highly-decorated coaching duo has combined to secure four Olympic gold medals, 14 World Championships titles and eight European crowns.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Olga to our program,” said Khasyanova, who was named the program’s head coach on Oct. 10 after serving as assistant coach for the previous seven seasons. “Her experience as a coach and athlete will bring great strength and inspiration to our team.”

Prior to arriving at Stanford, Kuzhela most recently helped as a coach with the USA Senior National Team in 2025.

Kuzhela previously served as CEO and head coach of the Akula Artistic Swimming Club in Morgan Hill, California, having founded and directed the club while managing all business operations. Kuzhela produced numerous athletes who eventually became members of the U.S. Youth, Junior and Senior National teams and claimed medals.

From 2011-18, Kuzhela served as head coach of Nevskaya Volna, presiding over one of Russia’s leading artistic swimming clubs. Kuzhela coached the Youth National Team in 2017.

Since 2023, Kuzhela has also been head coach of the California Masters Artistic Swimming program, directing the organization to silver and bronze medals at the 2024 Nationals, in addition to mentoring Mika Soya-Kelly to a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships.

Her local coaching experience also includes a stint as coach of the Santa Clara Aquamaids from 2018-21, leading the 10U and 11/12-age groups.

Kuzhela is also founder and president of BOD - Kuzhela Synchro School in St. Petersburg, Russia, a position she has held since 2009.

Kuzhela graduated with a Master’s Degree in 2009 from Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sports and Health in St. Petersburg. Kuzhela’s degree was in Physical Education and Sport Science, with a specialization in Sport Education and Coaching.