Russia's Top Gymnast Underwent a Botched Surgery

Irina Viner accused Russian doctors of a botched knee surgery on Russia's top gymnast Lala Kramarenko, during which a healthy meniscus was removed, according to NewsBox. 

Irina Viner, the head coach of Russia's rhythmic gymnastics team, spoke to blogger Nadezhda Strelets in an interview about the serious medical error made during Lala Kramarenko's surgery. According to Viner, the gymnast had her healthy meniscus removed, while the damaged one was left intact.

"There are two horns there; one was damaged, and the other was perfectly fine. Yet, the doctor who performed the surgery removed the healthy one," stated Viner.

She emphasized that such specialists should not be allowed to continue practicing medicine, but did not disclose the name of the doctor or the institution involved.

Viner added that she is doing everything possible to help Kramarenko recover and return to sports, but did not rule out the possibility that the athlete might end her career.

Lala Kramarenko is a decorated gymnast, a three-time world junior champion, and a European team champion. In 2024, she won the Russian championship and emerged victorious at the BRICS Games in Kazan, despite her injury. During the competitions, she reportedly cried after each performance, having competed through pain.