Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus rhythmic gymnast Vera Tugolukova has had a new element named after her by World Gymnastics, the sport’s governing body, according to the Cyprus Athletics Organisation. The element, called the Tugolukovas Pivot, has been entered into the FIG Code of Points.
Element added to FIG code
The Cyprus Gymnastics Federation said the Tugolukovas Pivot will become part of the sport’s global history and that Tugolukova’s name will remain recorded in the FIG Code of Points for future generations of athletes.
Performance in Tashkent
Tugolukova performed the element in April at the rhythmic gymnastics World Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The rhythmic gymnastics technical committee describes the pivot as a “side split with help, trunk horizontal with free leg bent.”
How the pivot differs
The federation’s technical advisor Chrystalleni Trikomiti said the Tugolukovas Pivot differs from other similar pivots because it is harder. She said it can be used in any rhythmic gymnastics event.
Gymnasts must perform the element correctly for a full 360 degrees to earn points, rather than the typical 180 degrees required in other pivots.
Significance for Cyprus
Trikomiti said the recognition was especially important for Cyprus because it is a small island. She added that once an element is performed and named, it cannot be removed, calling it a mark in history.
One of gymnastics’ highest honours
Having a new element approved is considered one of the highest honours in gymnastics. The move must be successfully performed at an international competition and then evaluated by a FIG technical committee before being entered into the FIG Code of Points.
First for a Cypriot rhythmic gymnast
Tugolukova, who was born in Russia and began competing internationally for Cyprus in 2023, is the first Cypriot rhythmic gymnast to have an officially approved skill bearing her name.
