After the third verification today, Russian Artistic Gymnastics Federation has finally announced its women’s team (the men’s team was announced last week, after only two verifications). With several gymnasts still recovering from injuries, Russia did not have much depth (and probably can’t wait until next year when Vladislava Urazova and Elena Gerasimova turn senior).
The nominative team included Angelina Melnikova, Angelina Simakova, Lilia Akhaimova, Aleksandra Shchekoldina, Daria Spiridonova, and Anastasia Agafonova as a traveling alternate. Judging by the results of the Russian Cup, this was the best possible team, since neither Maria Paseka nor Anastasia Iliankova had a good competition. Anastasia Agafonova was an odd choice as an alternate since she only competed on bars and beam and did poorly on both. However, in September, she competed at the Paris World Cup and won silver on bars with 14.6 and gold on beam with 13.4.
Uliana Perebinosova and Daria Belousova were also in the running for a spot and competed at verifications but were unable to make the team.
According to Valentina Rodionenko, Angelina Simakova got injured during the training camp. While the results of the verifications were not announced, Maria Paseka said on her Instagram that the verifications went well for her and, if she vaults well, she’s Russia’s best bet for an individual medal.
The final team is Angelina Melnikova, Lilia Akhaimova, Aleksandra Shchekoldina, Daria Spiridonova, Maria Paseka, and Anastasia Agafonova. It is not yet known who out of the six gymnasts will be the alternate.
Photo: Russian Artistic Gymnastics Federation
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You have to pick the best team. Sometimes it is not easy but Maria Paseka has been constant. I will be following Russia. I am English too!