Back On The World Stage, Angelina Melnikova Makes A Bright Return
Oct 22 2025
LOC/Ami Afriatni
Angelina Melnikova. (JAGOC)
Angelina Melnikova beamed with relief after completing her routine in subdivision 8 of the qualification round at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. Representing the Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), the 25-year-old gymnast claimed the top spot in the women’s all-around standings with a total score of 54.566, securing her place in the final.
“I’m really happy to reach the final, even by a narrow margin. That was one of my main goals here. But I’m a bit disappointed that I didn’t qualify for the balance beam final. Now, I just need to stay focused on the all-around final,” said Melnikova, who also advanced to the vault final.
Melnikova’s achievement underscores her unwavering determination to return to the top — a pursuit she has maintained since her golden performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The 2021 World Champion, who competed in two consecutive Olympics, took a break between 2022 and 2024 after Russia’s suspension from international competition.
Yet, Melnikova never lost her spirit. Her ambitions remain as strong as ever.
“I had dreamed of competing in Paris (2024), of course. But now my focus is on the Los Angeles Olympics,” she shared.
The experienced gymnast continues to prepare herself for her comeback to the world arena.
“My experience so far has helped me maintain good physical shape. I’ve found a training routine that keeps me both healthy and motivated, together with my coach,” Melnikova explained.
In the upcoming women’s all-around final, Melnikova will face fierce competition from Japan’s Aiko Sugihara and Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour, who both tallied 54.099 points.
Sugihara has represented Japan in two Olympic Games, while Nemour claimed the gold medal on the uneven bars at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The women’s all-around final, featuring 24 of the world’s best gymnasts, will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Source : JAGOC
