Montreal (Canada): It was a proud moment for Asian gymnastics after Uzbekistan’s Oksana Chusovitina was elected to the FIG Athletes Commission as representative for women’s artistic gymnastics at the athletes’ assembly here on Thursday.

The 42-year-old, who succeeded Great Britain’s Elizabeth Tweddle, will serve a four-year term.

“I’d like to thank everyone. I’ll try to my best to give you the best,” said Chusovitina, who progressed to the vault final with the eighth best result.

She has participated at seven Olympic Games, and is competing in her 16th World Championships.

Her amazing confidence level and steely resolve even at her age is something that can encourage many sportspersons.

“It’s important to improve the comfort and well-being of the athletes,” she added.

Chusovitina began her career with the erstwhile USSR before being a part of the Unified Team which won team gold at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

She competed for Uzbekistan followed by Germany before returning to her native country, and has two Olympic and 11 world medals in her kitty, including three golds.

But Chusovitina doesn’t intend to retire any time soon. She even plans to qualify for her eighth Olympics in Tokyo in three years’ time.