Kathmandu— Russian Olympic star Angelina Melnikova has won her second gold medal at the European Gymnastics Championship in Zagreb, Croatia, taking first place in the vault competition. The victory comes after she previously secured gold in the individual all-around event, as well as bronze medals on both the balance beam and floor exercise. The Russian team’s participation was complicated by initial visa denials from Croatian authorities.

Russian Dominance in Zagreb

Melnikova's win continues a strong showing for Russia at this year’s championship, where Russian gymnasts claimed gold and silver in the women’s all-around competition. Teammate Anna Kalmykova finished second to Melnikova, while Liudmila Roschina placed just off the podium in fourth, behind France’s Elena Colas.

Tokyo Success Carried Forward

Melnikova is building on her success at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where she won gold as part of the Russian women's team and earned individual bronze medals in both the all-around and floor exercise competitions. Her performance in Zagreb demonstrates continued strength and consistency.

Visa Issues Plague Russian Delegation

The Russian team faced significant obstacles prior to and during the championship, with Croatian authorities initially refusing visas to nine members of the delegation, including Melnikova and Kalmykova, along with a coach and physician. Diplomatic efforts secured visas for four athletes, but others were barred from entering Croatia. Furthermore, Russia was not permitted to display its national flag or symbols at the event, due to rules regarding competitions where hosting rights were awarded before July 28th.

Return to Competition Under National Flag

The participation of Russian athletes in European Gymnastics events was reinstated earlier this year following a ruling by World Gymnastics. This allowed them to compete under their national flag, though the specific rules regarding flag display varied based on when hosting rights were secured.

Melnikova and her teammates are expected to continue competing at the championship as they pursue further medals in other events.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.