A recent news story has shaken the world of rhythmic gymnastics, involving Cypriot judge Evangelia Trikomiti, gymnast Vera Tugolukova, and the European Gymnastics Federation (UEG). Following an investigation conducted by the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF), it has been determined that Trikomiti committed serious violations by interfering with scores to favor an athlete from Cyprus in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
At the 2024 European Championships, Trikomiti blocked scores and manipulated results to secure Tugolukova's qualification, to the detriment of another gymnast, Liliana Lewinska, who would have deserved the Olympic spot according to the subsequent review by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). This has generated a scandal that questions the transparency of the scoring system in rhythmic gymnastics and has led to Trikomiti's disqualification for four years, as well as an 8,000 euro fine for the UEG.
Lewinska, European clubs champion with clubs, expressed her pain for not having achieved qualification for the Olympic Games, a place she felt destined for. Despite the evidence of manipulation, the conclusions of the investigation cannot change the competition results, leaving Lewinska without the opportunity to compete in Paris 2024.
Although the GEF had requested a six-year disqualification for Trikomiti, the sanction of four years and the withdrawal of her judging license has been confirmed. The UEG, for its part, has been sanctioned for its responsibility in the infraction committed by its representative. The sanctions come eight months after the European Championships and six months after the Paris Olympic Games, and a deadline for appeals has been set.
The case has called into question the integrity of the scoring system in rhythmic gymnastics and has generated repercussions in the sports community. Despite everything, Lewinska and other gymnasts affected by this situation seek to move forward and overcome this episode to build a better future in their careers.
