Athletes of Team China compete during the group all-around final of rhythmic gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)
Chongqing - Chinese rhythmic gymnasts made history to win the country's first Olympic group all-around gold medal in Paris on Saturday, according to Xinhua reports.
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.
"We have waited a long time for this moment to win Olympic gold. Our last group all-around medal was silver in 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.
Athletes of Team China compete during the group all-around final of rhythmic gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)
In Chongqing, Ding Xinyi's family, coach, and former teammates gathered to view the competition and cheer for the two Chongqing athletes, Ding Xinyi and Guo Qiqi, and the Chinese team.
"This is Ding Xinyi's first Olympic Games, and both she and the Chinese team performed exceptionally well today!" said Wang Yantian, Ding Xinyi's former coach, after watching the first round.
Wang mentioned that the five hoops routine was not traditionally a strong event for the Chinese team, but their performance today was outstanding, and she feels proud of Ding Xinyi.
Gold medalists of team China attend the awarding ceremony for the group all-around rhythmic gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)
"The training has been incredibly tough since she was young. Her body is covered in injuries, which has always worried me. There isn't a single part of her that is unscathed. It's been really difficult, and reaching this point has been extremely hard. I'm so proud of her," said Ding Xinyi's parents, overwhelmed with emotion as they watched their daughter step onto the Olympic podium.
"Sweetheart, you've worked so hard. When you come home, Mom and Dad will make your favorite hotpot, braised pork intestines, and sautéed diced chicken with chili pepper."
The Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Chongqing Municipal People's Government sent a congratulatory message to the Chinese Sports Delegation, the Chinese Rhythmic Gymnastics Team, Ding Xinyi, and her coaches immediately after they won the gold medal on Saturday.
Another Chongqing athlete, Guo Qiqi, also fulfilled her dream. As a 26-year-old veteran, this is likely her last Olympic Games. She not only helped the Chinese rhythmic gymnastics team win their first-ever world championship gold medal but also led the team as captain to make history at the Olympics.