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A top Cypriot rhythmic gymnastics judge has been banned for four years after an investigation found she manipulated scores to help a fellow Cypriot qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Evangelia Trikomiti, who served as the president of the Superior Jury at the 2023 European Championships, was found guilty of altering scores in favor of gymnast Vera Tugolukova, securing her a spot at the Games over Poland’s Liliana Lewinska.
The ruling was issued by the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF), an independent body under the sport’s global governing federation (FIG). Following complaints from the Polish Gymnastics Federation and some judges, the GEF investigated and determined Trikomiti had “unduly interfered” with the scoring process.
As a result, Trikomiti’s judging credentials have been revoked, and she is barred from all gymnastics-related activities—except coaching—until 2028. Additionally, European Gymnastics was held accountable for her actions and ordered to pay €8,000 in investigative costs.
While Trikomiti faces consequences, Tugolukova’s qualification for Paris remains intact, as the GEF ruled that her participation could not be overturned since it was not a direct “field of play” decision. The 16-year-old went on to place 16th in the individual all-around competition at the Games.
The Cyprus Gymnastics Federation acknowledged the ruling and stated it would “thoroughly review” the decision and take appropriate action.
The controversy adds to a long history of judging scandals in gymnastics, with similar concerns dating back to the 1964 Olympics and the 1966 World Championships.
*Source: Reuters
