Irkutsk gymnast Daria Dmitrieva still has a chance to make Russias Olympic rhythmic gymnastics team, but the final decision will be made only on July 28. Irina Viner says the choice between Dmitrieva and Alexandra Merkulova depends on their form and health, and both are equally vying for a team spot. In Irkutsk region, many support Dmitrieva and hope she will go to London.

"Daria Dmitrieva is a gymnast who is vying for a spot on the Olympic team, but she is not yet listed on the squad, since at the moment the lineup has been determined only for the first number, and that is Evgenia Kanaeva," Irina Viner said. "Daria Dmitrieva has the same chances for a place on the national team as Kemerovo native Alexandra Merkulova. Everything will depend on training this week. The final lineup will be announced on July 28, because both gymnasts have equal chances. Alexandra Merkulova is the silver medalist of the European Championships, while Daria Dmitrieva did not compete at that championship because she was injured. However, she recovered and performed successfully in the last two competitions. But Merkulova competed in them with injuries. And she lost to Daria. In the coming days we will look at how both gymnasts are training, what stage their injuries are at. In the end, one of them will be removed."
According to the head coach of the Russian rhythmic gymnastics team, Irina Viner, the question of whether the Irkutsk native will compete at the Olympics in London should be finally decided on July 28.
-Of course, we are not going to wait until the last day. In general, we can change the team lineup even 24 hours before the start; there have been many such cases in my practice. Right now only the ethical question is being decided: the one who has better health and who will behave more properly and will try to do her work well will go to London. In general, Daria Dmitrieva wins a place on the podium at all competitions, World Cups or Grand Prix events, Irina Viner noted.
Representatives of the Ministry of Physical Culture, Sports and Youth Policy of the Irkutsk Region are "keeping their fingers crossed for Daria Dmitrieva." Thus, Deputy Minister Ilya Reznik noted: "We hope that Dasha still has a chance to make it to the Olympics, then another athlete representing rhythmic gymnastics from the Irkutsk Region will join the Russian national team, and in it we have real chances for the medal standings. Right now we are doing everything we can, providing all possible support to Dasha and her coach Olga Buyanova, but as for decisions, only the head coach makes them. The All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation is, to put it mildly, an independent organization. One thing is certain: Dasha has proven by her results that she should be included in the national team. Of course, if necessary, we will defend her interests in all instances, but as of today there is a person who makes all the decisions."
Based on materials from IA "Teleinform"