This season, the Italian gymnastics league will have Russian stars among its competitors. Angelina Melnikova will compete for GAL Lissone team alongside Elisa Meneghini. Melnikova traveled to Italy last weekend to participate in the team presentation and will come again to compete this coming weekend. She wrote on Instagram:
“I came to Italy for the presentation of GAL Lissone team for which I will compete in a week. I’m really happy to participate in such a competition. Thank you for inviting me, @antonstolyar. Italy, it’s so nice that your people are so friendly and warm and love Russian gymnasts so much! You’re my support.”
Melnikova said Anton Stolyar, a former Russian national team bars coach, who know works in Italy, facilitated the invitation for her.
Tatiana Nabieva and Yuri Busse joined Salerno team to compete at the Serie A this season as well. Nabieva said in the introduction video:
“I’m very happy and grateful for being given a chance to compete at the Serie A for team Salerno. Thank you so much. For me, this will be another one of the interesting experiences in my athletic career.”
In the past, Nabieva occassionally competed in the French club competitions, however, this will be her first experience in Serie A. Russian gymnasts, especially men, are often present in the club competitions in France and Germany.
