Angelina Melnikova became the World all-around champion in 2021, marking the first time in over a decade a non-American athlete achieved this prestigious title. At the same 2021 World Championships, she also secured a floor exercise silver and vault bronze. This followed her standout performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she led the Russian Olympic Committee to a gold medal in the team competition and individually earned bronze medals in both the all-around and floor exercise events. Melnikova made her senior international debut in 2016, contributing to Russia’s team silver medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, and was appointed captain of the Russian women’s national team in 2017.

She marked her return to international competition in 2025 as an Authorised Neutral Athlete (AIN), immediately making an impact by winning gold on balance beam and silver on floor exercise at the Paris World Challenge Cup. Melnikova continues to be a leading figure in artistic gymnastics, known for her unparalleled leadership and consistent, high-level performances on the global stage.