The Russians had the competition of their life in the qualifying round on Sunday, managing to do what no one has for a decade: outscore the United States. And while, yes, the American women made mistakes, it would be unfair to attribute the result solely to that. The Russian team is formidable on its own merits.
Here’s a look at the four members.
Angelina Melnikova, 21
Melnikova, competing in her second Olympics, is one of Russia’s best all-around gymnasts. She finished fourth in the qualifying round, showing she will be a medal contender in the all-around, the competition for the best individual gymnast.