Ulyana Donskova, the 2012 Olympic champion in rhythmic gymnastics, shared a new update on her social media profiles.
The athlete demonstrated a turning position performed in place, balancing on a straight leg while lifting the other leg vertically upward.
Donskova is a four-time world champion and five-time European champion in group routines. In 2010 she was honored with the title of Honored Master of Sports. She concluded her competitive career after her London 2012 victory.
At the end of February 2022, the International Olympic Committee issued a guidance to international sports federations recommending that Russian and Belarusian athletes be excluded from competitions. By the end of 2023, the organization allowed Russians and Belarusians to compete as neutral athletes, provided they meet a set of criteria and qualifications.
As an alternative, Russia introduced the Friendship Games format. The initial Friendship Games were planned for Moscow and Yekaterinburg from 15 to 29 September 2024. The Friendship Games are coordinated by the International Friendship Association. On June 7, the general director of the Friendship Games organizing committee confirmed that the event would be postponed.
Former grandmaster Sergey Karyakin commented that there should be limits on the number of immigrants in Paris, a remark reported in connection with ongoing discussions about the Games and related events. [citation: Sergey Karyakin remarks reported by various outlets]