Historic victory for Linoy Ashram (ISR)

As dramatic as the Artistic and Trampoline gymnastics competitions have been so far, so dramatic was the first rhythmic final. Loosing her hoop at the very end of her first routine in qualifications, 2020 European all-around Champion Linoy Ashram (ISR) fought back to end third in qualifications behind Dina and Arina Averina, who have dominated this Olympic cycle.

No such jitters for Ashram in the final though. Starting with hoop, Ashram took the lead and never looked back. A drop of the ribbon in her fourth and final routine, did open the door for Dina Averina but the reigning World Champion lacked just 0.150 for gold. A historic victory for Israel as Ashram earns their first medal in this discipline, and it’s the gold immediately. The 22-year-old from Rishon LeZion also breaks the Russians’ Olympic supremacy which started way back in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics:

Visibly upset, Dina Averina settles for silver, while 2020 Vice-European Champion Alina Harnasko (BLR) totals 102.700. Although she said she’s not entirely happy with her performances today and she’ll be better prepared for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Belarussian star returns home with the Olympic bronze medal, just 2 days shy of her 20^th birthday.

In third position going into the final rotation, reigning European Champion Arina Averina suffers from a knot in her ribbon forcing her to take the replacement apparatus. With a score of 19.950, she drops to fourth. Boryana Kaleyn (BUL) and Milena Baldassarri (ITA) round out the top 6.

 

Congratulations to the medallists!

GOLD Linoy Ashram (ISR) 107.800

SILVER Dina Averina (ROC) 107.650

BRONZE Alina Harnasko (BLR) 102.700

 

Find the full results on the FIG website: https://live.gymnastics.sport/schedule.php?idevent=15571

The Tokyo Olympics conclude tomorrow with the rhythmic groups all-around final.