**Title: Cyprus' Vera Tugolukova Makes History with New Gymnastics Move**
In a significant milestone for Cypriot sports, rhythmic gymnast Vera Tugolukova has had a new move officially named after her by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). The element, referred to as the "Tugolukovas Pivot," was recognized following Tugolukova's performance at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in April.
The announcement was made by the Cyprus Athletics Organisation on Friday, highlighting the importance of this achievement for both Tugolukova and Cyprus as a nation. The Cyprus Gymnastics Federation expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “The Tugolukovas Pivot will now be part of the sport’s global history, and Vera’s name will remain recorded in the FIG Code of Points for future generations of athletes.”
Chrystalleni Trikomiti, the technical advisor for the Cyprus Gymnastics Federation, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment for a small island nation like Cyprus. “For Cyprus, this is really important because we are a small island,” she noted, underscoring the pride felt within the gymnastics community.
The Tugolukovas Pivot is described by the FIG's rhythmic gymnastics technical committee as a “side split with help, trunk horizontal with free leg bent.” What sets this move apart from other similar pivots is its increased difficulty; gymnasts must execute the element in a full 360-degree rotation to earn points, compared to the standard 180 degrees required for other pivots. Trikomiti elaborated, stating, “It’s harder,” affirming the technical challenge that the move presents.
Having a move named after an athlete is considered one of the highest honors in the sport of gymnastics. To achieve this recognition, the gymnast must successfully perform the element at an international competition, after which it is evaluated by a FIG technical committee before being entered into the FIG Code of Points. Trikomiti remarked on the permanence of this achievement, saying, “It will stay there. It cannot be removed after you performed and they named an element after you. It’s a mark in history.”
Vera Tugolukova, who was born in Russia, began competing internationally for Cyprus in 2023. Since joining the Cyprus national team, she has quickly gained recognition on the global stage. Notably, she was the youngest rhythmic gymnast to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she placed 16th in the qualification round. Her impressive performances have also earned her accolades, including a silver medal in the ball event and a bronze medal in the ribbon event at the Rhythmic Gymnastics European Cup last year. Additionally, she secured a gold medal in the ball event at the Baku World Cup in April.
The naming of the Tugolukovas Pivot not only marks a personal achievement for Tugolukova but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in Cyprus and around the world. As she continues to compete and develop her skills, her contributions to the sport will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.