"Nastia" Luekin, the American Gymnast - is she coached by her dad?

Question

If that is her dad - or even if he's not . . .

Why did this guy tap her on the bottom 'affectionately' after she finished her routine that won her the gold?

Answer 1

A lot of peados in the Olympics sadly.  

Answer 2

according to wikipedia, she is coached by her dad

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nastia_Liuk...

Answer 3

Yes, she is coached by her Dad.  

She even gave him a kiss after one routine.

I even saw Shawn Johnson's coach - the chinese one - pat her on the butt after a routine.  I don't think they think anything of it, they give hugs after all the routines too.  I just think coaches/gymnasts share a special bond.  I saw an article on Shawn that stated she thinks of her coach as her second Dad.

Answer 4

i was quite surprised by how affectionate he was too, i heard that he is her dad but i could be wrong.  anyway im hoping it was a mis timed pat on the back or something similar

Answer 5

Nastia is Russian, just like her father.  Yes, her dad is her coach.

Answer 6

That's her dad. Her dad was a gymnast from the Soviet Union, I think. Her mother was a rhythmic gymnast (whatever that means) from the same place.