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JAKARTA, INDONESIA – OCTOBER 23: Angelina Melnikova of Team Neutral Athletes competes in the floor exercise during the Women’s Individual All-Around Final on day five of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Indonesia Arena on October 23, 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) Getty Images Russian gymnast Angelina Melnikova just wrapped an immensely successful world championship campaign in Jakarta, Indonesia. This week, the 25-year-old veteran led Russia’s ‘neutral’ contingent in her long-awaited return to the world stage. Melnikova clinched her second world all-around title, narrowly and controversially edging American Leanne Wong by just .100. She also claimed two event medals, winning gold on vault (her first individual event title) and silver on bars. The Tokyo Olympic gold medalist and her teammates competed as Authorized Individual Neutral athletes (AIN) in Jakarta, and therefore did not compete under the Russian flag or denomination. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin was quick to publicly congratulate the athlete on her recent successes. Putin’s Message for the Russian ‘Neutral’ Athlete Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Melnikova’s “triumphant” performance in a statement shared by Kremlin media on Friday, October 24. “Congratulations on your 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,” Putin shared. “I am confident that thanks to your talent, skill, and strength of character, you will continue to conquer new sporting heights,” he continued. “I wish you health and prosperity.” First-placed Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) Angelina Melnikova poses during the victory ceremony for the women’s all-around final at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP) (Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP…

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Filed under: News - @ October 25, 2025 11:20 pm