Margarita Mamun wins Olympic gold medal in individual rhythmic gymnastics

Margarita Mamum of Russia took the individual gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics on Saturday. She edged out compatriot Yana Kudryavtseva, who struggled with the clubs apparatus to allow Mamun to take the lead. The two have been rivals in international competition for the past few years.

Ultimately, Mamun took gold, Kudryavtseva took silver and Ganna Rizatdinova of Ukraine managed the bronze. Margarita’s final score was 76.483, Kudryavtseva finished with 75.608 and Rizatdinova with a score of 73.583.

The first rotation saw all competitors utilizing the hoop apparatus. As expected, Russia took the top two spots. Yana Kudryavtseva had a 19.225 from the judges, while Margarita Mamun put up a 19.050. They were the only two to score above a 19 in the first rotation. Rotation two saw the ball apparatus, and that rotation was also topped by Kudryavtseva and Mamun. Again they were the only two to score above a 19.

In the third rotation, featuring the clubs apparatus, Kudryavtseva finally faltered. She managed a score of only 17.833, while Mamun put together a stellar routine to earn a 19.050 from the judges. Three others, including Yeon Jae Son of South Korea, Ganna Rizatdinova of Ukraine and Neviana Vladinova of Bulgaria all finished with better scores on the apparatus than Kudryavtseva.

The final rotation was the ribbon. Mamun was on top after three rotations, and she absolutely clinched her top spot overall with a routine that earned her a 19.233 from the judges. Kudryavtseva finished strong with a score of 19.250 in the final rotation.

The group finals in rhythmic gymnastics will take place on Sunday, the final day of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Spain and Russia took the top two spots in qualification, with the top eight teams advancing to said finals.