China clinched the first gold medal of the Paris Olympics on Saturday, as the rain that dampened the opening ceremony continued to affect the initial day’s events.
In a closely fought final of the mixed-team 10-meter air rifle, teenage prodigies Sheng Lihao and Huang Yuting delivered a stellar performance, securing China’s first gold of the Games.
The success didn’t stop there for Team China, as divers Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen dominated the women’s synchronized 3-meter springboard, adding another gold to China’s tally.
Chang and Chen have been unstoppable in recent years, winning gold at three consecutive world championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Their victory in Paris marks the beginning of China’s ambitious campaign to sweep all Olympic diving golds.
Britain’s Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen claimed the bronze medal in the event.
At the previous Olympics in Tokyo three years ago, Chinese divers secured seven out of eight gold medals, and with Chang and Chen leading the way, they are poised to continue their dominance in Paris.
Reference(s):
China wins first gold as rain dampens Olympics after dazzling ceremony
cgtn.com
