Angelina Melnikova, who is representing the Russian Gymnastics Federation, won the gold medal at the all-around competition of the 2021 Worl...
Angelina Melnikova, who is representing the Russian Gymnastics Federation, won the gold medal at the all-around competition of the 2021 World Championships, which are being held in Kitakyushu, Japan.
Melnikova is the first non US gymnast to win an all around gold medal at a World championship since her compatriot Aliya Mustafina in 2010.
This is the first gold medal at a World Championship for the 21-year-old gymnast, who turned senior in 2016.
The Tokyo Olympic Champion won bronze in the all around and on floor exercise, and silver with her team at the 2019 World championships. She was also the silver medalist with her team at the 2018 World Championship.
Melnikova is the third Russian gymnast to win a World all-around title. Svetlana Khorkina won the title in 1997, 2001, and 2003.
The silver medal went to US Tokyo Olympic team alternate Leanne Wong. Kayla Dicello, who was also an alternate to the US Tokyo Olympic team, managed to grab the bronze medal despite suffering a fall on the uneven bars during the second rotation.
Melnikova's teammate Vladislava Urazova finished in fourth place. Urazova, who fell and had her double twisting Yurchenko vault downgraded during the qualifications, competed a simple full twisting Yurchenko on the apparatus. She also fell on her beam mount.
Romania's Maria Ceplinschi finished in 16th place. Emma Slevin, who is the first Irish gymnast to advance to a World final, finished in 19th place.
Melnikova will compete again on Saturday and Sunday for the event finals. She has qualified to all four apparatus finals.
Written by Gigi Farid
No comments