China wins; U.S gets bronze
Beijing – The heavily favored Chinese gymnasts have a history of faltering when the pressure is on. It appeared early on that tonight would be no exception when the first athlete up, Chen Yibing, faltered on the last pass of his floor routine. But then Yang Wei rebounded with a solid routine followed by another from Zou Kai, and China was back on track. There would be no more faltering today. They clinched the gold medal with the rowdy crowd behind them every step of the way.
After the withdrawal of the Hamm brothers before the games began, it wasn’t even clear if the U.S. men would qualify to the final round of team competition. But the U.S. came in fourth in the preliminary round and in a stunning fashion, were leading the gold medal favorites, China, half-way through the event. As expected, they lost ground to China during the fifth rotation on floor, but were able to onto an unexpected bronze medal. An incredible accomplishment considering the adversity they faced leading into the Olympic Games.
China wins; U.S gets bronze – NBCOlympics.com
My congratulations to Team USA. That’s an unbelievable accomplishment.
And my apologies for ever doubting you. I was quite sure 5th was the highest possible rank.
7 comments ↓
They did awesome. USA! USA! USA!
P.s. Paul was right though, they would have gotten a silver again this year…with him (he predicted that before getting hurt…said they were similar caliber to team from Athens.)
I’m watching the ceremony right now. Those medal-girls are hawt. Hope the gymnasts get dates…
Oh…and Sasha was SMOKING! So much for all the jerks and idiots and whimps ans Shawn-haterz at WWGym who didn’t want him on the team. HA HA HA!
I don’t think they would’ve gotten silver with Paul. It would’ve been close though, but I think Japan would’ve edged them.
Sasha was a beast on PH under pressure.
But HORTON = MVP x10 like tim said.. hah. Horton hit and stuck everything on VT, PB, HB AND FX (all passes). That was amazing… hopefully he’ll duplicate in AA…
The whole paegentry of the medals and the roses and the handshaking and all is moving.
Paul Hamm on Pommel horse, high bar, floor, pbars, rings would have likely put us into silver medal position.
Congratulations China.
Jonathon Horton probably had the meet of his life. Can’t wait to see him in the all around.
Sasha Artemev, you made your country proud.
David Durante, I’m sure you made everyone cry with you when NBC panned the camera to you.
I think the USA team proved to the world that the Hamm brothers are not the only gymnasts that the USA has to offer.
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