Putin congratulates “neutral” gymnast after Jakarta win
The 25-year-old led a group of “neutral” athletes to one of the most talked-about performances of the event.
Her all-around victory came by the narrowest of margins, just 0.100 points ahead of American Leanne Wong. Melnikova went on to claim gold on vault and silver on uneven bars, solidifying her return to the sport’s elite.
Putin’s congratulations
Russian President Vladimir Putin was quick to publicly celebrate Melnikova’s success, despite her official “neutral” status. In an article released by Forbes, they point out a rather unusual statement released through Kremlin media on October 24 Putin hailed her brilliant victory in Jakarta and the title of two-time world champion.
“Your triumphant performance in the individual all-around is a wonderful gift to your fans, coaches, and mentors, everyone who supported you on your journey to the top medal,” the statement read.
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Putin added that he was certain her talent, skill, and strength of character would help her continue to conquer new sporting heights.
A contentious comeback
Melnikova’s participation reignited debate over the ongoing restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) banned both nations from global competition in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier this year, the FIG allowed certain athletes to return under a neutral designation,“Authorized Individual Neutral” (AIN), if they met strict conditions, including having no ties to the military or government and no public support for the war.
Melnikova’s eligibility has been heavily disputed. She trains with the Central Sports Club of the Army, which is affiliated with Russia’s Ministry of Defense.
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The Ukrainian government has labelled athletes from the club as representatives of the armed forces of the aggressor state, calling Melnikova a Champion of Terror.
Politics and perception
Further complicating her neutrality, Melnikova has a political history with the ruling United Russia party.
In April, she ran in a local election in Voronezh and won a party primary before later withdrawing to focus on her sport. Her continued association with pro-government politics has raised questions about the legitimacy of her neutral status.
Putin’s direct praise, critics argue, undermines the supposed separation between Russian athletes and their government. Ukrainian media described the situation as a “sham,” pointing to what they see as selective enforcement of FIG’s neutrality rules.
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Medals and meaning
Despite the controversy, Melnikova’s athletic success remains undeniable. Her three medals in Jakarta, two golds and one silver, make her the most decorated female gymnast of the championships.
With ten world medals in total, she now stands among the sport’s modern greats.
Whether her victory represents a personal triumph or a political statement, Melnikova’s return has reignited a fierce debate over the intersection of sport, politics, and national identity.
Sources: Reuters, AFP, BBC, Kremlin.ru, FIG
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