So So Gay
In a day of mixed fortunes at Olympic Park for Team GB, there was jubilation at North Greenwich Arena as British gymnasts made history by winning the bronze medal in the men’s team final.
The team, comprised of Louis Smith, Sam Oldham, Kristian Thomas, Max Whitlock and Dan Purvis, became the first British medal winners in the event since 1912 and sealed their victory through an astonishing finale on the floor.
Disappointment came, however, as the team were knocked from the silver medal spot following an appeal by the Japanese gymnasts who were originally in 4th place. The inquiry result meant that Ukraine were left reeling, having been demoted from the bronze medal spot.
Louis Smith, member of Team GB’s bronze medal-winning gymnastics squad
It was a truly outstanding performance from the five British athletes, Louis Smith again demonstrating his utter dominance on the pommel horse and Kristian Thomas digging in when it really counted. Nerves were frayed when Sam Oldham fell from the high bar but even despite that mishap, the team looked strong throughout.
The event was won by the Chinese gymnasts – for the third time in four Olympics. They were never truly challenged for the gold medal and have contributed to their country’s stellar start to this year’s games.
Featured image courtesy of Márcio Cabral de Moura.
