In the Forbes ranking got two athletes from the Voronezh region

In the annual Forbes Sport rating “30 most valuable personal brands of active athletes from Russia -2026” were Voronezh athletes – Angelina Melnikova and Elena Kostyleva. The rating takes into account popularity in the media, in social networks and audience engagement. This was reported by the newspaper “TV Governorate”.

21st place went to gymnast Angelina Melnikova. In her sports baggage - the championship in the all-around at the world championship (2025), a similar title at the European championship, as well as a gold medal and two bronze awards of the continental championship in certain types.

Earlier, Melnikova called “inhumane” the refusal of the Netherlands in a visa for the world Cup. The gymnast admitted that she expected such a development of events, but still almost cried. At the same time, she said, a sense of self-esteem works at such a moment.

- When you are so bullied, even the desire to go disappears, the athlete admitted.

Then Melnikova drew attention to the fact that the Russian team got to the World Cup not by invitation, but by the sporting principle – through the European Championship. The ticket was earned honestly, and the athletes did not ask for exclusion.

The 17th line of the list was taken by 15-year-old figure skater Elena Kostyleva. Among all the participants of the rating, our athlete was the youngest. It is emphasized that the degree of engagement of the audience Kostylev bypasses many of those who entered the list. However, the reasons for mentioning around her are not always associated with positive: successful rolls and jumps attract less attention than the difficult relationship of a young skater and her energetic mother with mentors.

In the Forbes list, the leader was UFC fighter Islam Makhachev, the second position was taken by figure skater Alexander Trusova (Ignatova), the third – Kamila Valieva.

Earlier it was reported that Voronezh Ushu players brought 33 awards from Moscow competitions.