Melnikova’s personal grace

 

Angelina Melnikova is not only an ambitious gymnast, she also wants to pursue acting as part of her career.  This picture came with congratulations on her medals in Paris, from one of her agents.

I can see real determination in her face - it must have taken a lot of courage to put herself in the public eye at a time when the international environment is uncertain and unpredictable, and her own country is at the centre of chaos.  

Sport is about bringing people from different cultures together, to appreciate human achievement and celebrate respect, competition and, wherever possible, friendship.  This gymnast has remained consistent in her pursuit of excellence since childhood, and she has persisted in the most difficult of circumstances, with incredible personal grace.  She is down to earth, charming and professional, a real example to everyone.   

The circumstances have been very trying, but you would never see Angelina show the strain.  Her country’s possible exclusion from the 2016 Olympics, her first year of senior competition, came first.  She survived the uncertainty and competed well in Rio, despite a hamstring injury.  

Then in 2020 came lockdown, which had international repercussions with the cancellation of major competitions worldwide, and the closure of national training centres.  In 2021 Angelina led the Russian national team, under the flag of the Russian Olympic Committee, to gold, Russia’s first ever Olympic team gold for their women.  She followed up with gold AA at the World Championships. 

Then there followed a long absence (4 years) from international competition because of an IOC sanction against Russia’s involvement in international sport, for the state’s acts of aggression against Ukraine.  

Angelina has patiently waited for her opportunity to compete once more, under a neutral flag, for herself.  She is leading her team with great strength and purpose and I hope she will be able to compete alongside her team mates at Worlds later this year, and possibly even through to the Olympics in 2028.  Good luck, Angelina.