Russia update

[MaryClare]

Apologies for slap dash thread, but I just got back through the door from Novosibirsk (I don’t travel with my British devices)

Melnikova has effectively retired. Not officially, they never do because they want to keep the salary.

But she is standing for election for Voronezh local government for the president’s party. Which will likely void her AIN status.

From the people I spoke with, it seems that the whole Croatia World Cup debacle was the last straw for her, both gymnastically and politically.

I am cautious about what I post publicly, but I can discuss further if anyone wants to message me privately

 

[tsarinajen]

I’m really sad to hear this. She seemed so excited to be able to finally compete again and having that taken from her again… I can’t say I blame her.

 

[Passion]

I’m surprised she held on as long as she did without being able to compete. I wish we could have seen what she could have accomplished last quad without the war.

At least we’ll always have the Lady Gaga routine.

 

[RAFIKI]

I’m surprised she held on as long as she did without being able to compete. I wish we could have seen what she could have accomplished last quad without the war.

I’ve tried replying to this thread a few times and couldn’t figure out what I wanted to say. Thank you tsarinajen and Passion for putting it into words.

 

[Rich]

I sort of assumed this when I saw this posted on Reddit. I always liked her as she seemed to be not liked by the coaches. She was persistant.

 

[JaJa]

I’m surprised she held on as long as she did without being able to compete. I wish we could have seen what she could have accomplished last quad without the war.

I really believe we need to separate politics from sports, especially amateur sports. Of course the Olympics are no longer "amateur" but it should still be kept separate from politics.

 

[RichardL]

I really believe we need to separate politics from sports, especially amateur sports. Of course the Olympics are no longer "amateur" but it should still be kept separate from politics.

The word "politics" is being used here very liberally.

 

[Matilda23]

I sort of assumed this when I saw this posted on Reddit. I always liked her as she seemed to be not liked by the coaches. She was persistant.

Any specific instances?

Melnikova’s gymnastics seemed a bit wooden or robotic to me. However I liked watching The Olympic Channel’s series on her, Morgan Hurd and Chen Yile in the lead up to Tokyo Olympics.