Latvia gets first gymnastics medal, Nemov wins silver

Published: 24 September 2000 y., Sunday
Latvia has its first gymnastics medal -- a gold, no less -- while Alexei Nemov now has one of every color. Igors Vihrovs won the gold medal in the men's floor exercise Sunday, the first since Latvia regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. "I never dreamed about this, it is super," Vihrovs said. "I could never believe I could do this. I am very proud." Nemov took the silver on the floor, and now has four medals. He won the men's all-around, and has bronzes from the pommel horse and the team competition. With three event finals remaining, he can top the six medals he won in Atlanta. Jordan Jovtchev of Bulgaria won the bronze in the floor exercise. Yelena Zamolodtchikova of Russia won gold in the vault, an event she wasn't even supposed to compete in. She was a late replacement for teammate Svetlana Khorkina, who wasn't about to take any chances in the vault after it cost her a chance at the gold medal in the all-around. Romania's Andreea Raducan, who won the women's all-around, won the vault silver. Yelena Lobazniouk of Russia took the bronze. Marius Urzica of Romania won the gold in the pommel horse, moving up a spot from his finish in Atlanta. Eric Poujade of France won the silver. The United States' medals drought in gymnastics continued as Morgan Hamm, who was celebrating his 18th birthday Sunday with twin brother Paul, finished seventh in the floor exercise. Vihrovs had never won an international competition, but he outperformed everyone on the floor. Even Nemov. His flips and twists were just as high, and he kept his body perfectly straight throughout the routine. He ran off the podium pumping his fists as the crowd cheered. He then stood next to Nemov, pacing nervously as he waited for his score. When his 9.812 was posted, putting him in first place, Vihrovs jumped up and down, throwing his arms in the air in triumph. Nemov applauded and gave Vihrovs a congratulatory hug.
Šaltinis: SportsLine.com wire
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