Amazing Grace : Afanasyeva wins blue riband event of the World Championships

And finally, we have a floor world champion who is worthy of the title. At times, watching this final, I felt that the floor should be replaced with a tumble track. Last year Marta Karolyi pronounced that gymnasts should not have to be ballerinas to win. But, surely, they should have to adhere to some form of dance tradition. For Alexandra Raisman to medal is a terrible comment on the state of women’s gymnastics, but then I suppose she was as good as many of the other participants in the final who finished below her in the rankings.

Then came Sui Lu and Ksenia Afanasyeva and it felt as though you were watching a different sport. For once, the judges acknowledged the added dimension these gymnasts brought to the floor, and justice was done. Congratulations to both of them! I am particularly delighted for Afanasyeva, a truly outstanding gymnast who has contributed to many Russian team efforts but often fallen away during individual finals. For her to be World Champion on floor seems such a fitting reward.

With thanks to Albert for providing a link to the following video, which stands as a far better record of Ksenia’s amazing grace than any words.