New Delhi: A massive corruption case came to light in Cyprus after a rhythmic gymnastics judge was found guilty of manipulating scores to help her compatriot qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) banned the judge Evangelia Trikomiti for four years after the conclusion of the investigation.
The FIG found that Evangelia altered the scores at the European Championships to help Vera Tugolukova win the final European qualifying spot for the Paris Games.
At the Olympics, Russia-born Tugolukova, who has represented Cyprus since the end of 2022, finished 16th in the individual all-around competition.
“Trikomiti is declared ineligible for a period of four years of all gymnastics-related activities, excluding coaching activities, starting on the date of notification of this decision,” FIG’s gymnastics ethics foundation said in a statement.
“European Gymnastics is held responsible for the offence committed by Trikomiti.”
Tugolukova escapes ban but Trikomiti faces consequences
The FIG has ordered European Gymnastics to reimburse 8,000 euros (£6,670) for the investigative costs. The world body also announced that the 16-year-old gymnast Tugolukova will not be banned from competing in the Olympic Games because it was not a ‘field of play’ decision.
Trikomiti was the president of the superior jury at the European Championships in Budapest in May 2024. He was found guilty of interfering with the judges work to ensure Tugolukova secure Olympic berth ahead of Poland’s Liliana Lewinska.
Trikomiti has an experience of judging at the Olympics having previously worked at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Trikomiti’s daughter, Chrystalleni, won two gold medals for Cyprus in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. She also featured at the 2012 London Olympics four years later.
European Gymnastics is likely to appeal the verdict after consulting with the lawyers. Meanwhile, The Cyprus Gymnastics Federation confirmed it would “thoroughly review” the ruling.
After unfairly qualifying for the Olympics, Russia-born Tugolukova, who has represented Cyprus since the end of 2022, finished 16th in the individual all-around competition. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
