Spotlight- Aliya Mustafina

Sep 17, 2014 by Keri Monstrola

Aliya Mustafina is a gymnast who comes into the 2014 World Championships as a strong contender for the all-around title. Mustafina is still coming back from an injury and surgery on her ankle back in June. However she showed true determination by getting back into shape and competing at the Russian Cup in August. Mustafina will look to lead her Russian Team to a World gold medal next month in Nanning, China.

Competition History:

Mustafina was a member of the 2012 Russian Olympic Team where she led her team to a silver medal. Mustafina became the most decorated gymnast male or female, at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Having won four medals including the silver in the team all-around, the bronze in the individual all-around final, the gold in the uneven bars final, and the bronze in the floor final.

World Championships 2013

World and Olympic Champion Mustafina went into the 2013 World Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp with high expectations. After a lackluster showing in both podium training and qualifications competition, Mustafina turned it on for the Finals. She left Antwerp with three medals, including gold on the balance beam.

In most recent history Mustafina recaptured her all-around title at the 2014 Russian Cup.Mustafina scored 59.133 to win the all-around title over first-year seniors Maria Kharenkova(57.834) and Daria Spiridonova (56.799). Mustafina also posted the top scores on vault with a 14.833 (double-twisting Yurchenko) and uneven bars with a 15.400.

All-Around Battle:

Mustafina and Simone Biles are the two favorites going into this year’s 2014 World Championships. Let’s take a closer look at their D scores, based on their most recent competitions.

Aliya Mustafina vs. Simone Biles

Vault Bars Beam Floor Totals

Aliya Mustafina 5.8 6.3 6.6 5.7 24.4

Simone Biles 6.3 5.8 6.5 6.5 25.1

Do you think Mustafina has a shot at upsetting reigning World Champion Biles? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.