Melnikova backs Russian gymnasts after sixth-place finish at world championships

Russia’s women’s gymnastics team finished sixth in the team event at the world championships in Rotterdam.

The gymnasts were competing for a place at the 2028 Olympics, and three-time world champion Angelina Melnikova publicly supported them after the result.

Melnikova said the team had tried its best despite a difficult situation and the pressure to win a medal and an Olympic place.

She said Russian gymnasts had gone three and a half years without international experience, making it harder to adjust to the competition.

Several leading gymnasts were absent, including Melnikova; reports differ on whether two or three team leaders missed the event.

Unfamiliar conditions, travel, equipment and competition formats also added to the challenge.

The result came amid major obstacles for the team, but no further competition plans or qualification outcome were specified.