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Zhang's bronze cheers Chinese Gymnastics team
2004-08-19
China's Nan Zhang competes in the uneven bar during the women's artistic gymnastics qualifying session at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics August 15, 2004. |
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ATHENS - Teenager Zhang Nan ended China's gymnastics medal drought in Athens with the women's all-round bronze medal on Thursday, a feat her coach said would help the Chinese to put a disappointing week behind them."This medal will definitely boost the morale of our team after our earlier performances," said Lu Shanzhen, women's head coach. "For us, the competition isn't over, it's just beginning." The Chinese, a traditional gymnastics powerhouse, finished fifth in the men's team, seventh in the women's team and seventh in the men's individual all-around, with Yang Wei. Coach Lu said the 18-year-old Zhang had made some mistakes but overcame them. "She's a kid with great potential and she performed under a lot of pressure tonight because of our slow start," he said. Zhang, who lives in Beijing, said: "I have fulfilled an important task and I am delighted and happy even though it was only a bronze." Zhang lost out to Carly Patterson, who upstaged silver medallist Svetlana Khorkina of Russia to become the first American in 20 years to win the women's all-round gold medal. China have brought a lot of young athletes to Athens, saying they are willing to sacrifice some championships in order to build a powerful team for the 2008 Games in Beijing. Asked about her plans for 2008, Zhang said: "The opportunity to compete in the Olympics on your own doorstep is a rare one that my family and I are really hoping for. "But four years is a long time and a lot can happen." Reuters
Carly Patterson takes individual all-around gold medal (2004-08-19)Zhang's bronze cheers Chinese Gymnastics team (2004-08-19)2 (11285)
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