Who Is Liu Yang? Reigning Still Rings Champion Dominating at the Paris Olympics

Liu Yang is once again looking in ominous form as he looks to defend his Olympic rings gold in Paris. The Chinese artistic gymnast has already clinched the silver medal as part of the team that finished second in the Team All-Around in Paris. Competing in the individual events, Yang had an average outing on the floors as he ended with just 13.200. But when it comes to the rings, there is never a hint of doubt about Yang’s capabilities. 

Performing in the second subdivision on July 27, Liu Yang finished second with a score of 15.233. And now, as the men’s rings finals are underway, Liu Yang is looking set to claim yet another gold. Going up against the likes of JY Zou and G Cuyle, Yang is currently dominating. With the latest reports coming in, Liu Yang has won the ring final with a score of 15.300. 

Facing tough competition from his countrymate Zou Jingyuan, Yang did just enough to clinch the top spot as Zou got 15.233. It was a tantalizingly close competition between the two as the difference in points was a result of the dismounts. While Zou hopped a couple of times, Yang remained steady to clinch the all-important lead. Eleftherois Petrounias from Greece completed the podium, earning the bronze medal with a score of 15.100. 

However, Liu Yang’s magnitude as a world-class gymnast cannot be fathomed just from the fact that he won an individual gold in Tokyo. Thus, here’s a comprehensive look into all the information you need to know about Liu Yang. 

Born in Anshan, Liaoning, Yang started gymnastics when he was just five years old. His first major accomplishment came in the 2013 Cottbus World Cup. Competing in the rings apparatus, Liu Yang came in second to win silver. However, his run in the following World Championships did not go as planned as Yang finished fourth. 

Liu Yang’s ascent to the pinnacle

Yang came back strongly in the next year and clinched the gold medal in both the rings as well as for the team. And with this victory, Liu Yang’s career started to take a turn for the good. Soon after his 2014 world success, Liu Yang started to prepare for the Olympics. 

Although he could not replicate his antics on the rings, Yang played a vital role in winning bronze for his team. But his qualification scenario in the Tokyo Olympics was a bit of a drama. Initially failing to qualify, China was awarded a bonus Olympics spot as the All-Around World Cup Series was canceled due to COVID-19. 

Clinching the bonus spot, Yang made the most of it by outperforming his opponents in the rings to clinch his first-ever Olympic gold. And now, adding to his tally a second Olympic gold medal, it is safe to say that Liu Yang is undoubtedly the king of the rings.