Leading Russian gymnast since 2007, Ksenia Afanasyeva has retired from gymnastics for medical reasons, reports Alexei Fililov from R Sport.
Valentina Rodionenko explained that Ksenia has a serious kidney illness. She is in hospital and will take not just days but weeks to recover.
Afanasyeva is not just a brilliant gymnast but also a kind, humourous and intelligent team captain. Her presence will be missed by both spectators and fellow competitors in Rio.
Ksenia's place on the Russian team travelling to Rio on Sunday will be taken by the experienced and well prepared Evgenia Shelgunova.
RRG would like to wish Ksenia a full recovery. Get well soon, Ksenia and we will look forward to hearing about your next steps in your new life.
http://m.rsport.ru/artist_gym/20160721/993115276.html