NAPLES, Italy, July 13, 2019 – 2019 U.S. all-around champion Laura Zeng of Libertyville, Ill./North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics, just missed the medal podium for hoop, ball and clubs, finishing fourth in the event finals at the 2019 World University Games, in Naples, Italy.
For hoop, Zeng’s 20.100 was just 0.050 behind Ukraine’s Yeva Meleshchuk’s 20.150. Russia’s Ekaterina Selezneva continued her winning ways, claiming the hoop (21.200), ball (21.550) and ribbon (20.450) gold medals, along with the clubs bronze (20.000). Belarus’ Julia Evchik was second at 20.350 for hoop and 19.150 for ball. Estonia’s Viktoria Bogdanova finished ahead of Zeng for third, 18.850 to 18.700, in the ball final. For clubs, Zeng earned a 19.400. Azerbaijan’s Zohra Aghamirova was second at 20.200, with Meleshchuk claiming the title (21.050). In the ribbon final, Italy’s Alessia Russo finished second (18.700), with Meleshchuk winning her second event bronze (18.700).
Based in Indianapolis, USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States. The organization is committed to creating a culture that encourages and supports its athletes and focuses on its highest priority, the safety and well-being of the athletes. USA Gymnastics has taken specific, concrete steps to strengthen its athlete safety policies and procedures. Former gymnast and business executive Li Li Leung is the new president and chief executive officer of USA Gymnastics. The organization’s disciplines include men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and gymnastics for all (formerly known as group gymnastics). For more complete information, visit usagym.org.