Zlatica Stauder, a very committed lady, introduced rhythmic gymnastics to Manitoba. She emigrated from Czechoslovakia in 1968 and by 1970 she was serving on committees to create provincial and national gymnastic organizations.

Beginning in 1972 she developed and taught the first courses for coaches and teachers, and taught the first judge’s course in Western Canada. She is recognized as a Brevet judge, which is the highest honour in international judging. Stauder had judged in every Canadian championship (save 1980) since 1972 for nearly 20 years.

She also developed the first independent rhythmic gymnastics club in Manitoba and encouraged the establishment of Manitoba’s High Performance Centre for Rhythmic Gymnastics, where she served as Head Coach.

Stauder coached Manitoba’s first national and international competitors (including Nicolle Pichette, Kendra Adams and Lauren Brett) and was instrumental in establishing a committee for alternate education for elite athletes in the province. In 1973 she received a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree from the University of J.A. Komenski in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia.

Currently, in addition to being employed as Executive Director of the MRSGA, she serves on the Canadian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation and the Federation’s International Judge’s Committee. She has been recognized as High Performance Coach of the Year and bestowed with Official of the Year honours.

Zlatica Stauder is rhythmic gymnastics in Manitoba. Every aspect of the sport and every one of the province’s national and international competitors have been touched by her unswerving commitment and technical expertise.