"Huge loss for the sport"; "Will miss seeing you" - Fans react to Russian gymnast Angelina Melnikova not competing at Paris Olympics

By Janhavi Shinde

Modified Jul 24, 2024 01:51 GMT

Olympics - Previews - Day -1 - Source: Getty — Angelina Melnikova of Team ROC trains on balance beam ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Getty Images)

Fans recently reacted to Angelina Melnikova's absence from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Melnikova is one of the several Russian athletes who is staying away from attending the Games.

The 24-year-old, who enjoyed a successful run at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will miss defending her title. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the IOC banned Russian athletes from competing in the Games in 2022. However, the decision was revised in 2023 to let the Russian athletes compete under a neutral flag, which the Russian athletes refused.

Melnikova took to social media to inform her fans about her non-participation at the Games. She shared a long emotional message, concluding with:

"Dreams will wait."

Fans from all over the world sent their wishes and support to the Russian gymnast as one of them wrote,

"I will miss seeing you compete at these Olympic Games! 💔Sending love from the US."

Another fan dubbed her absence as a "huge loss for the sport."

"So sorry we will not see you compete in Paris, a huge loss for the sport."

Screenshot of Angelina Melnikova's Instagram post.

A fan expressed their admiration and love for the Olympian and world champion and said,

"You are already an Olympic and World Champion, and you have all the love of your fans! Stay strong queen! ❤️"

Screenshot of Melnikova's Instagram post.

Another fan mentioned Melnikova's absence was a huge disappointment for them.

"We have all been robbed. Without you it can't be a true show of would greatest sport. We all love you I hope you know❤️"

Here are a few more reactions:

"What a shame...Olympics and the world are lose the opportunity to witness an amazing athlete."

"Sad that politics came into the sports world its all about our heart."

Angelina Melnikova enjoyed a successful run at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Angelina Melnikova at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Getty Images)

Angelina Melnikova competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics under the ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) after the country faced a two-year ban by the World Doping Agency for an amoral state-sponsored doping program.

She secured a gold medal in the team event with her teammates, including Lilia Akhaimova, Viktoria Listunova, and Vladislava Urazova. The Russian team left the American and the British squad behind.

Further, the Russian gymnast followed Suni Lee and Rebeca Andrade to secure a bronze medal in the all-around event by collecting 57.199 points. She tied with Japan's Mai Murakami to bag a bronze medal in the floor exercise event, scoring a total of 14.166 points.

About the author

Janhavi is a Sports Management graduate working as a US Olympics journalist at Sportskeeda. She emphasizes meticulous research and fact-checking before creating content, relying on multiple sources including social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, as well as various sports publications.

She has competed in the 10m Air Rifle Shooting event at the national level alongside renowned athletes such as Anjali Bhagwat, Apurvi Chandela, and Anjum Moudgil, which further fueled her passion for the sport.

Abhinav Bindra is her favorite Olympian, and she particularly cherishes his and Neeraj Chopra's gold medal victories as they revolutionized Indian athletes' mindset towards achieving sporting excellence.

If given the opportunity to introduce a new sport to the Olympics, she would choose American Football for its widespread appeal and intense competition. Apart from reporting on the latest news in the world of Olympics, she likes to immerse herself in reading, painting, and traveling.

Know More

Edited by Vaishnavi Iyer