There have been tumbles and tears, doubtless the odd bruise too. Crises of confidence that required reassurance to repair. Even since arriving in Munich for these European championships, Jessica Gadirova felt her belief waver under the microscope with errors often invisible to the naked eye.
On Sunday, though, the 17‑year‑old gymnast was resolute and rigorous and the reward was gold in the floor exercise and a successful defence of her continental crown.
