Gymnastics judge Evangelia Trikomiti has been suspended for four years for score manipulation, impacting Poland’s Liliana Lewińska. Read more on the scandal and its consequences.
Four-Year Ban for Evangelia Trikomiti
Gymnastics judge Evangelia Trikomiti has been suspended for four years after being found guilty of manipulating scores to favor a Cypriot athlete in the Olympic qualification process. The European Gymnastics Federation was also fined €8,000 to cover investigation costs. The scandal unfolded during the European Championships in Budapest, where Trikomiti’s scoring allowed 15-year-old Vera Tugolukova, a former Russian gymnast now representing Cyprus, to qualify for the Paris Olympics over Poland’s Liliana Lewińska.
Impact on the Olympics and Gymnastics Integrity
The International Gymnastics Federation’s Ethics Foundation led the investigation, which resulted in Trikomiti’s exclusion from judging but not from coaching. Despite the controversy, Tugolukova competed in Paris, finishing 16th in the all-around competition and carrying Cyprus’ flag at the closing ceremony. FIG Director Alex McLin emphasized the importance of integrity in gymnastics, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to fairness. The decision is seen as a strong statement against score manipulation in the sport.