"Russian star gymnast Angelina Melnikova will no longer compete for TSV Tittmoning-Chemnitz, a gymnastics club in eastern Germany, at the season-ending Bundesliga finals as previously planned, the club's coach told DW. Melnikova, 25, signed on with Chemnitz earlier this month, but her debut in the penultimate Bundesliga competition of the season on November 15 in Esslingen, a German town near Stuttgart, attracted controversy because of her links to Russian President Vladimir Putin and her support for the war in Ukraine."
"The FIG gave Melnikova neutral status in March, allowing her to compete internationally even though the organization's rules forbid "active support for the military conflict in Ukraine." She has been pictured posing with the Russian military "Z" symbol, which is referenced explicitly in the rules. The Russian gymnast has refused to discuss her neutral status, answering with "no comment" in an interview with German broadcaster SWR in Esslingen. Since 2023, the FIG has allowed Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to compete as "neutral" athletes."
Angelina Melnikova signed with TSV Tittmoning-Chemnitz earlier in November but will not compete at the season-ending Bundesliga finals after controversy surrounding her links to Russian President Vladimir Putin and her perceived support for the war in Ukraine. Her debut at the Esslingen competition drew criticism and mayoral pleas for reconsideration, though protests did not materialize. Chemnitz coach Tatjana Bachmayer said Melnikova would not compete and indicated the club board decided mainly to protect coaches. The International Gymnastics Federation granted Melnikova neutral status in March despite rules forbidding "active support" for the conflict; she has been pictured with the Russian "Z" symbol and declined to comment.
Read at www.dw.com
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