More Gymnastics Glory Lies Ahead For Chinese Men
The gymnasts on the Chinese men’s team finally cracked smiles Tuesday after they had passed their first test at the Beijing Games after what seemed like four straight years of stoicism.
Yang Wei, the two-time defending champion in the all-around, grabbed a teammate in a bear hug. Chen Yibing, the still rings world champion, waved at the fans packing the National Indoor Stadium as he battled tears of joy. Xiao Qin, a pommel horse expert, jumped up and down as if on a pogo stick.
By the time they had gold medals hanging around their necks from the team final, though — and while the United States men celebrated their unexpected bronze medal — it was back to business for Team China.
There were more gold medals in gymnastics to be won at these Games, and the Chinese have set out to win all of them.
“I feel like I shed off a lot of burden and pressure,” Yang said through an interpreter at a news conference, speaking about winning the gold medal that was expected of them. “I will be more relaxed to take part in the individual events. I will try to get every single gold medal.”
Led by Yang, the favorite to win the all-around, the Chinese are just beginning their mission to sweep the gymnastics events. All six of China’s male gymnasts will compete in individual events next week. All but one of the Chinese women qualified for event finals, too.
At the other end were the Chinese, who were waving their country’s flag and wiping away tears.
But this was China’s moment.
The Chinese expect to hear that melody again and again there in the following days, as the rest of the competition unfolds.
“The Chinese are pretty good; they deserved the gold,” Artemev said, gently cradling his bronze medal in his left hand. “But for me, this moment is just as exciting. Getting this medal feels like gold.
referrence:htp://www.sterlingtiffany.com
