ROC women earn first ever Olympic team gold

After unexpectedly topping the qualification round, the Angelina Melnikova, Vladislava Urazova, Viktoria Listunova and Lilia Akhaimova representing the Russian Olympic Committee earned their first ever Olympic team gold. Starting on vault, the Russians did well while USA lost Simone Biles after a botched attempt at an Amanar that turned into a Yurchenko 1,5 instead. The superstar decided to protect herself as she wasn’t feeling well and withdrew from the rest of the final. After the uneven bars rotation, ROC had extended its lead to 2,5 points. Two falls from beam, from Vladislava Urazova and Angelina Melnikova, however were enough to level out the playing field. Reigning European all-around Champion Listunova stayed calm and composed on beam, ensuring ROC still had an 0.800 lead over USA going into the last rotation. Grace McCallum and Urazova went head-to-head. Second up, Jordan Chiles sat down one of her tumbling passes, sealing the deal for ROC. Team leader Melnikova  had the honour to finish off the competition in style. And she did just that. The Russians win their first ever Olympic team title, by over 3 points advantage over the USA.

A delighted Melnikova said:

7^th only at the halfway stage, Great Britain’s team featuring Alice Kinsella, Amelie Morgan, Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova, excelled on vault and bars to take a historic team bronze. They finished less than half a point ahead of Italy with Japan in fifth place followed by France, China and Belgium.

 

Congratulations to all medallists!

GOLD Russian Olympic Committee 169.528

SILVER USA 166.096

BRONZE Great Britain 164.096

 

Find the full results on the FIG website: https://live.gymnastics.sport/schedule.php?idevent=15571

The Olympics continue tomorrow with the men’s all-around final.