China’s rhythmic gymnasts have had a historic breakthrough! With a 69.800 total on the scoreboard, the Ding Xinyi-led five-women squad has bagged an all-around team gold in the Rhythmic Gymnastics event in Paris. This feat makes them the first non-European country to claim this title at the Olympics. And indeed, their performance at the La Chapelle Arena dazzled as beautifully as their embellished red, black, and gold leotards!

After the Chinese side returned empty-handed in the Artistic Gymnastics team event, this gold probably feels much more than compensation. Despite putting a 162.131 on the board, China had lost by a whopping 9.163 margin. But the 2023 World Champions, Ding Xinyi, Guo Qiqi, Hao Ting, Huang Zhangjiayang, and Wang Lanjing have saved the day for the side. And in some style, as they are now named for bringing in China’s first-ever gold in this event.

Historically speaking, Russia, Bulgaria, Italy, and Spain have been the most dominant countries in this category. Ever since its Olympic debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, its mostly a sequence combining these nations on the winning podium. At the topmost spot ranks Russia, with 5 all-around group golds, and a total of 16 medals in general. While, Bulgaria, who were the defending Olympic champions from Tokyo are positioned second.

But today, it was these Chines side who came in and swept the title! And oh boy, did they do that with some finesse. Their routine was synchronized beyond reproach, and the side had a clear lead in the 5 Hoops, scoring a 36.950 What added the cherry on top were the notes of the Chinese music, that blended in perfectly with their twists and turns. As per Reuter’s, their coach Sun Dan, later remarked, “We wanted to showcase Chinese culture.”

The Chinese tale of heartbreak reversed by Ding Xing & Co.

The Chinese women had faced a crushing defeat in the artistic gymnastics team event at the Paris Olympics, finishing sixth overall. Especially with young phenoms like Qiu Qiyuan and Zhou Yaqin in the team, they were banking on a podium finish. The former was an uneven bars gold medalist at the 2023 World Championships, and a 4th finisher in the all-around category. And the latter, was a balance beam specialist. Her silver at the Worlds last year, just behind the all-time great Simone Biles, did put her on the global map. Beyond them, the team had great experience coming in from Ou Yushan and Luo Huan. However, despite ranking third highest in qualifications, they slipped down on the D-day.

But, the Rhythmic Gymnastics side had a different story to tell. Back in 2023, at the World Championships in in Valencia, Ding Xinyi led the nation’s team to a 5 Hoops title. This became their first ever gold on the world stage. Moreover, their all-around silver ensured that they qualified for the 2024 Olympics. Therefore, all eyes were on them this time and they absolutely have proved equal to the expectations. Especially Ding Xinyi, who has been coming off great performances ever since she joined the side in 2022. And today was just another day that she etched history for her country, supported by her equally talented team.