Angelina Melnikova. – Foto: instagram
Angelina Melnikova claimed the all-around world title at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta on Thursday. The 25-year-old Russian edged out American Leanne Wong by one-tenth of a point on floor exercise. She competed as a neutral athlete due to Russia’s suspension over the war in Ukraine.
The gymnast reclaimed the world number 1 ranking after three years away from international competitions. Melnikova represents CSKA, a Russian armed forces club. Her participation raised questions about the neutrality required by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).
- Final score: Melnikova totaled 56.599 points.
- Wong finished with 56.499 points.
- Event took place in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Competition performance
Melnikova started the final with a solid uneven bars routine. She maintained the lead throughout the rotations.
The Russian performed precise routines on beam and vault. The floor exercise decided the title by a narrow margin.
The gymnast showed relief upon confirming the victory. She had won her first world title in 2021.
Activities outside competition
Melnikova works as a model in advertising campaigns. She gained fame after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
The Russian launched her own leotard brand in 2018 at age 18. She wore one of her designs in the Jakarta final.
The entrepreneur creates pieces for gymnasts. She gave up design courses to focus on sport.
Political support history
Melnikova posed with the “Z” symbol at a military parade in 2022. The symbol represents support for Russia’s operation in Ukraine.
She joined a local election campaign for Vladimir Putin’s party this year. She withdrew her candidacy in July to prioritize training.
The Ukrainian team protested her presence at a World Cup stage in Paris. The Ukrainian delegation withdrew from the competition.
Lineage of Russian champions
Melnikova continues the tradition of Russian all-around gymnasts. She competed alongside Aliya Mustafina at Rio 2016.
The Russian holds four Olympic medals despite missing Paris. She has one gold, one silver, and two bronzes.
In World Championships, she now has eight podium finishes with two golds. She will compete in uneven bars and vault finals in Jakarta.
Neutral athlete rules
The FIG authorized the return of Russian and Belarusian gymnasts in 2023 as neutrals. Athletes cannot have active military ties.
Gymnasts must avoid supporting the conflict in Ukraine. The federation does not comment on individual cases.
Melnikova meets the criteria despite representing CSKA. She competed without the Russian flag.
International record
Melnikova started gymnastics at age six in Voronezh. She received the most elegant gymnast award in 2018.
She led Russia to team gold in Tokyo. They defeated the United States affected by Simone Biles’ issues.
The Russian has three silvers and three bronzes in World Championships. She seeks more medals in apparatus finals.
Competition controversies
Ukrainians advanced only in men’s events in Jakarta. They did not protest directly at the World Championships.
The FIG maintains neutrality in athlete decisions. Russians have gradually returned to competitions.
Melnikova focuses on technical performance. She trained intensively for her international return.
