The head coach of the Russian artistic gymnastics team, Valentina Rodionenko, entered into an absenteeism dispute with gymnast Angelina Melnikova over the level of Russian athletes. His words were quoted RIA News.
“I’m skeptical of his interpretation. I do not think that Angelina has the right to assess the state of gymnastics in Russia and talk about who can qualify for awards. We have enough competition, it is no coincidence that Angelina took only third place in the Russian Cup. Such comments do not come from a great mind. We are Olympic champions in team competitions. This is a special victory and it says a lot,” Rodionenko said.
In her last interview, Melnikova spoke about the low level of competition in Russia, which is isolated from world sports.
At its executive committee meeting on March 28, 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) proposed allowing the Russians to maintain neutral status if their athletes are not actively involved in supporting military operations.
In July 2023, the Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) decided to accept representatives from Russia and Belarus, provided that they comply with certain rules that have not yet been published.
Previously Rodionenko called it embarrassing Performance by American Biles.