PARIS - Chinese rhythmic gymnasts made history to win the country's first Olympic group all-around gold medal in Paris on Saturday.
China's team of Guo Qiqi, Hao Ting, Huang Zhangjiayang, Wang Lanjing and Ding Xinyi scored a total of 69.800 points in the two rotations, 36.950 in five hoops and 32.850 in three ribbons plus two balls during the final at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, securing the first place among eight teams.
Israel took the silver in 68.850 while Italy scooped bronze with 68.100.
"We have waited a long time for this moment to win Olympic gold. Our last group all-around medal was silver in the Beijing 2008. I am so happy that after so many years of hard work we have finally achieved a good result," said coach Sun Dan after the final.
This is the first time a team from outside Europe has won Olympic gold in the rhythmic gymnastics team all-around since the event was introduced at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
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Sun highlighted the culture factor of the team's routine at the post-match press conference.
"We want to showcase Chinese art and style. We hope that more people can better understand Chinese culture through our performances," she said.
Sun, a member of China's squad at Beijing 2008, also noted the challenges on their journey to Paris, mainly the age difference of the athletes, with the oldest at 26 and the youngest just 19.
It meant the veterans had to overcome their injures and sometimes had to work even harder to maintain their physical condition, she said.
China finished the fifth in qualifications held on Friday.
Earlier in the day, South Korea beat Germany to take bronze.
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The women's team gold is China's fifth consecutive Olympic title in this category since it was introduced at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"We were so united as a team, and it's an indescribable joy to claim the championship together," Wang said.
Having already secured gold in mixed doubles, men's and women's singles, and the men's team event, China has now swept all five table tennis golds at the Paris Olympics.
