Chengdu University Games: Artistic gymnastics as a show of technique and power
Chengdu University Games: Artistic gymnastics as a show of technique and power
China's men's team went up against Japan in the artistic gymnastics event at the FISU University Games in Chengdu on Wednesday. It's seen as a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics next year. Our reporter Guo Tianqi was there.
Explosive power, strength and flexibility make artistic gymnastics a challenging sport...Every movement by a gymnast who can stand in this international field, is a work of art.
GUO TIANQI Chengdu, Sichuan province "Although this is the World University Games, but the competition of the gymnastics is indeed world level, because lots of the participants they have already qualified for next year's Paris Olympics."
The Chinese team includes the Tokyo Olympic parallel bars champion Zou Jingyuan and all-round world champion Zhang Boheng. The famous Japanese gymnast Hashimoto Daiki is also leading the team to the gold medal. Other athletes such as Lee Chi Kai from Chinese Taipei, have also won world championships in individual items.
LEE CHIH KAI Gymnast, Chinese Taipei "This is my last Universiade, so it's important for me to enjoy every game and do my best."
HASHIMOTO DAIKI Gymnast, Japan "I think the Chinese team is very strong, with the world championships two months away, I learned a lot from them."
For Zou Jingyuan, an athlete from Sichuan Province, competing as a host in Chengdu, is heartwarming.
ZOU JINGYUAN Gymnast, China "I'm very grateful for the audience who love gymnastics. I fell off the parallel bars while practicing, but when everyone is cheering for me, I don't feel hurt anymore."
LIU LIQUN Zou Jingyuan's Mother "I gave him a hug, I believe in him, and he also has confidence in himself, to compete as usual."
For top athletes, gymnastics is a one-person game, and victory over ones-self is the biggest victory.
Guo Tianqi, CGTN, Chengdu, Sichuan Province.