Russian Prevents Romanian Sweep U.S. Gymnasts Fifth, Sixth In World Gymnastics Meet

Svetlana Chorkina of Russia broke Romania’s drive for a medal sweep at the World Gymnastics Championships that ended Sunday.

The Romanians won the team gold medal and three of the four event finals. But Chorkina defended her uneven bars title with a graceful routine featuring tricks that bear her name, and won the all-around gold on the strength of her premiere event.

The men’s results were much less decisive: China won the team championship, Ivan Ivankov of Belarus was all-around champion and the event titles were spread among six nations.

The United States men and women failed to win a medal, the men’s fifth-place finish matching their Olympic placing, but the Americans still were pleased with their showing.

“We’re not a doormat anymore,” U.S. champion Blaine Wilson said. “I know the USA can beat any team that’s out there.”

During the all-around, Wilson was in position to become the first American since 1979 to medal at the worlds. But after four strong routines, he fell from the bars and gave a lackluster floor routine, dropping to 10th.

The U.S. women’s team, with only one member of last year’s Olympic gold medal team, finished sixth in the team final, and no higher than 13th in the all-around.

Like the Russians and Romanians, the Americans were forced to compete without their top gymnasts, including co-U.S. champion Vanessa Atler, who didn’t meet the new minimum age requirement.