The gymnastics events at the 15th National Games in Zhaoqing, Guangdong province in the Chinese mainland, wrapped up this week on Monday, November 17, with the awarding of the final five gold medals.
In the spotlight was Hunan’s Zhang Boheng, who claimed gold on the horizontal bar. The 25-year-old had already collected four silver medals in previous events, but a fever threatened his performance heading into the finale.
Undeterred, Zhang delivered a polished routine, earning a score of 14.860 points—enough to edge out the competition and secure his first gold of these Games. “I focused on clean lines and a solid landing, even though I wasn’t feeling my best,” Zhang said after his victory. “This gold means a lot to me and my supporters back home.”
Zhang’s triumph underscores the high level of competition at these National Games, the Chinese mainland’s premier domestic multisport event held every four years. For young athletes across the Chinese mainland, the Games are a critical stepping stone toward international meets and major championships.
As the curtains close on gymnastics in Zhaoqing, fans and aspiring gymnasts worldwide will be watching Zhang’s next moves. His journey—from four silvers to a hard-fought gold—resonates with anyone striving for excellence under pressure.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
