MOSCOW, February 2 Russian gymnast Yana Kudryavtseva reacted to the words of Ukrainian Anna Rizatdinova that she undeservedly received the silver medal of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. The Ukrainian gymnast said that Kudryavtseva became the second, despite the loss of the apparatus during the performance, only because she represented the Russian team. According to Rizatdinova, in the event of the same mistake on her part, she would not even have won a bronze medal.
"I have always had great respect for all the gymnasts with whom I competed, and never allowed myself negative and statements. But I was struck by Anya's words about the 2016 Olympics and, in particular, about me and that I am not worthy of the Olympic silver medal. I never reacted to something like that, but after this interview, my direct and messages just got cut off. I won't talk much about this topic. For me, the most important reward was that after my performances, the audience from different countries gave me a standing ovation, which, unfortunately, you have never felt and will not feel. I am very proud of my Olympic silver and I advise you to be proud of your bronze, as it was your ceiling", Kudryavtseva wrote on Instagram.
At the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Rizatdinova won a bronze medal, Kudryavtseva won a silver . Russian Margarita Mamun became the champion in personal all-around.