Chrystalleni Trikomiti bagged two gold medals in rope and ribbon on the concluding day of the rhythmic gymnastics competition in the Commonwealth Games at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here on Thursday.
Exhibiting outstanding difficulty level (8.85) combined with equally good artistic skills and execution (8.5 each), 16-year-old Chrystalleni collected 25.8 points to stave off a stiff challenge from Naazmi Johnston and claim the top honour in rope.
This was Cyprus's first gold medal in the Games. “Many moments of competition, many moments of hard work. I thought I was going to cry because I had worked so hard for this gold,” said Chrystalleni.
Silver for Naazmi
Australian Naazmi, who had won the individual all-around competition on Wednesday, clinched silver with 25.1.
Elaine Koon of Malaysia claimed the bronze medal with 24.95. Elaine soon had a big smile on her face as she rode on her impeccable showing to clinch the hoop gold. The 17-year-old was the only gymnast to earn a 25-plus score in the apparatus. Francesca Jones (24.75) of Wales edged out Chrystalleni (24.5) for the silver. Naazmi, who had displayed her mastery over ball on her way to the all-around crown, again put up a spell-binding performance to score a 25.1 and the yellow metal.
Chrystalleni's artistic efforts won her loud cheers from the spectators. However, she was shocked to score just 24.350. Some of her supporters gave a ‘thumbs down' to the judges as the Cyprus athlete, who took the bronze, left the scene in a state of disbelief.
The silver went to Elaine, who scored 24.5. Stung by the episode, Chrystalleni came out with a more determined performance with the ribbon.
In her stunning show, she did not miss a beat of the lively jazz music and performed with command to receive a standing ovation from the crowd and 25.7 points from the judges. That, of course, brought her the coveted gold. Naazmi (24.6) and Elaine (24.4) landed the silver and bronze respectively.
Interestingly, no other gymnast could make the podium in any of the four events.
