Despite Ukraine Sanctions, Russian Gymnast Melnikova to Compete in Italy

Angelina Melnikova’s Plans for the Italian Championship Final

According to Главком: Olympic gold medalist Angelina Melnikova is set to compete in the Italian Championship final, scheduled for May 16, 2026, in Bergamo. She will represent the team ASD Libertas Ginnastica Vercelli. Melnikova previously took part in the first two rounds of the championship but missed the third round, which took place in mid-April. A preliminary vote for her independent candidacy as a deputy of the Voronezh City Duma from the 23rd electoral district was held from May 19 to 25, during which she received 1,188 votes.

Athletic and Political Milestones

A gold medalist in the team all-around event at the Tokyo Olympics, Angelina Melnikova has made a name for herself not only through sports but also through her vocal political stance, supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.

• She took part in the primaries of the United Russia party.
• She has actively expressed support for President Vladimir Putin.
• The International Gymnastics Federation has recognized her as a neutral athlete.

Beyond her athletic career, Melnikova has conducted charity training sessions for children of Russian occupation forces and helped raise funds for the daughter of a deceased Russian soldier. She has also been photographed with the letter 'Z,' a symbol of war support. In February 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on her in response to her active backing of the aggression against Ukraine.

Melnikova expressed her enthusiasm for competing in Italy: 'After the Russian Cup, I’ll rest for a couple of days, then return to base to prepare for the Serie A final. I have no regrets about skipping the World Cup stages earlier this season. I’m really glad I went to compete in Italy-it’s exactly what I need right now. My plan was to avoid putting too much pressure on myself for results early in the year. I’m saving that for the second half of the year, so for now, I’m training and competing calmly. I want to keep participating in club competitions abroad. I’m open to offers.'

This shows that Melnikova continues to actively engage in sports despite the political climate and personal sanctions. Her intention to compete internationally highlights her determination to remain part of the professional gymnastics community, even amid the controversy surrounding her actions. This situation underscores the complex interplay between sports and politics in today’s world, where athletes can become symbols of specific political positions. Her election as a deputy may also influence her athletic career and future international appearances.