Gymnastics: Relentless Russia win fourth gold

LONDON: Before a sea of red, white and blue flags, Russia pursued their merciless dominance of rhythmic gymnastics by claiming their fourth consecutive Olympic group title. The Russian team posted a score of 57.000 points to finish above Belarus and three-time world champions Italy at London’s Wembley Arena, to the delight of the many Russian supporters present. With Evgenia Kanaeva having successfully defended her title in Saturday’s individual final, Russia have now won every Olympic gold medal in the sport since the start of the 2000 Games in Sydney. The Russian display was a visual treat, the gymnasts sporting silver leotards with bright pink skirts and sporting ribbons coloured yellow, green and red that evoked a carnival feel. Their sprightly performance yielded 28.300 points and it proved enough for gold, with the Italians’ high-energy routine, soundtracked by Gioachino Rossini’s ‘William Tell Overture’, only earning a mark of 27.325.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2012.