Hangzhou, China, September 25, 2023: Led by a strong performance by Zhang Jin, host China won the gold medal in the Artistic Gymnastics women’s team event before a big crowd at Huanglong Sports Centre Gymnasium on Monday night.
China was victorious with a total score of 161.896 points. Japan earned the silver with 157.229, while the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea claimed the bronze on 156.829.
The 22-year-old Zhang Jin excelled on the vault, balance beam and floor exercise to help China complete a sweep of the women’s and men’s titles here. Zhang was the top qualifier for the All-Around Final with a score of 54.266 and will be joined there by teammate Zuo Tong (52.865).
“Everybody has done great today, and we are very delighted for our team,” stated China’s Zhang Xinyi. “The audience was very enthusiastic, cheering us on.”
Mana Okamura was Japan’s top scorer with 52.432 and qualified for the All-Around Final along with teammate Kohane Ushioku (52.165).
Japan’s Mikako Serita admitted her team had some trepidation entering the competition.
“The event tonight, it is the first time for all of my teammates to participate in an international competition like this, so we were very nervous. But we have enjoyed the competition thoroughly from the beginning.”
Serita noted the camaraderie between the Japanese and Chinese teams, who showed support for each other throughout the evening.
“To put it simply, I think gymnastics is a great sport,” Serita commented. “Even if we’re from different countries, we can cheer each other on. The Chinese gymnasts were waving at us and we felt the friendly vibe.”
Kim Sujong (52,365) and An Changok (52.285) advanced to the All-Around Final as the top scorers for the DPRK.