This website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
For more details about cookies and how to manage them see our privacy policy.
Angelina Melnikova claims all-around bronze behind Lee and Andrade
July 29, 2021News
With the withdrawal of Simone Biles due to mental issues, the battle for Olympic gold was thrown wide open. The defending Olympic champion was replaced by her teammate Jade Carey while Ellie Black (CAN) who reinjured her ankle in training was replaced by 1st reserve Lieke Wevers (NED).
The top group started well on vault with Brazil’s title hope Rebeca Andrade taking the lead with 15.300 for an excellent Cheng, closely followed by Carey with Melnikova in third place. Andrade holds onto the lead after bars where Sunisa Lee (USA) scored a huge 15.300 to narrow the gap. Except for Carey, the top group excelled on bars, confirming this will be a tight race. Beam brought some small issues to the medal contenders but nothing dramatic. Vladislava Urazova performed best, a solid exercise that earned her a fantastic score of 14.200. Going into the last rotation, Lee held the lead ahead of Urazova and Andrade. But it was close. Their performance on floor would be decisive. Urazova and Melnikova both took some steps and hops in otherwise nice routines with the ROC team leader overtaking her younger colleague for a place on the podium. Lee hit when it counted most and set up the score to beat for Andrade. An excellent floor worker, the gold was Andrade’s to take. Two times out of bounds cost her dearly though, settling into second place. Lee continues the USA’s gold medal streak that started with Carly Patterson back in 2004 while Andrade writes history as the first female Olympic medallist for her country. Melnikova was delighted with bronze:
I am extremely happy. It has been a hard road to get here. All my dreams came true. I basically worked for it five years and I didn't miss any major competition in all those five years. I want to dedicate it to all the hard work I have done. It's been a lot of work (laughs).
Vladislava Urazova finishes in the unfortunate 4th spot, followed by Murakami Mai (JPN) and Nina Derwael (BEL). Great Britain’s 16-year-old twins Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova ended up 10th and 13rd respectively.
Congratulations to all medallists!
GOLD Sunisa Lee (USA) 57.433
SILVER Rebeca Andrade (BRA) 57.298
BRONZE Angelina Melnikova (ROC) 57.199
Find the full results on the FIG website: https://live.gymnastics.sport/schedule.php?idevent=15571
The Tokyo Olympics continue tomorrow with the women’s trampoline competition.
Related news
Our Partners
