China dethroned as gym kings: reigning Olympic champions suffer chastening defeat to Japan
Focus already shifts to Tokyo Games in four years with the Chinese team saying they will be a stronger force
The Chinese team said lessons have been learnt after they were dethroned by a dominant Japan in the men’s team gymnastics at the Rio Olympics.
China, the defending champions, who won gold in the last two Olympics, scored 271.22. Russia took silver with a score of 271.453 while Japan, led by the powerful Kohei Uchimura, delivered an impressive performance with a score of 274.094.
“Every one of us thinks that team gold is the most important and precious, you have to be solid and united,” said China’s Zhang Chenglong.
“In China team work is very important.
“You can’t just stay in your own corner and do your own thing. Everyone has to be excellent not just one person.
“Team gold represents the summit of Chinese gymnastics. It’s not down to one person to be excellent, but everyone has to be excellent.