China's top gymnast, Li Xiaopeng, received scant consolation for an Olympics he would rather forget by winning a bronze medal in the parallel bars.
The 23-year-old Li had been expected to win at least two golds, but came away with a lone medal in an event where he is the defending world champion.
A three-time gold medallist at last year's World Championships in Anaheim, California, Li was a mere shadow of his former self in Athens. He was continually outperformed by his rivals.
Li had embarrassed himself by falling on his backside during his dismount in a shocking performance on the vault. He ultimately finished seventh in that event.
He redeemed himself somewhat by securing the bronze in the parallel bars.
'It has been a poor Olympics for me, but at least I have one medal to show for my efforts,' said Li, who was voted China's Athlete of the Year in 2003, beating NBA superstar Yao Ming for the honour.
