MOSCOW, July 25 Foreign fans expressed disappointment over the absence of Olympic champion in artistic gymnastics Angelina Melnikova from the upcoming Games in Paris.
On Wednesday, Melnikova posted on Instagram*, in which she described her inability to compete in Paris as an «unfulfilled Olympic dream.» Several dozen messages with words of support came from foreign fans, including Americans.
«As an American, I am so sad that we won't be seeing the wonderful Russian gymnasts. You are strong athletes and it makes the Olympics more interesting and exciting. I am so sorry. I always looked forward to seeing the Russian team perform,» wrote one user.
«The FIG and IOC should be ashamed. You and your team will be missed! I hope you can all find a way to come back. Love you,» said another fan.
«We are deeply sorry. You are a great athlete and will be back in Los Angeles in 2028,» a user from Belgium noted.
«Shame on the FIG and the IOC based on its policy. Sending greetings to all Russian athletes, may you be the strongest team in 2028,» a fan from Canada wrote.
Melnikova herself also noted the support from abroad, writing in her stories: «I am completely shocked by the support of foreign fans under this post. When people ask me if foreigners are waiting for us at competitions, just look at what's going on in the comments. This is how they are waiting for us.»
In July 2023, the FIG announced the admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions in a neutral status from January 1, 2024. The admission criteria were announced in November. In March, it became known that the Russian national artistic gymnastics team refused to participate in the qualifying competitions for the Olympic Games in Paris in a neutral status.
* The activities of Meta (social networks Facebook and Instagram) are banned in Russia as extremist.
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