The Chinese women's gymnastics team defended their title at the Asian Games, earning their 10th consecutive team gold. But many gymnasts told?that they aren't in top shape, and that they need to do better, in order to go far at the London 2012 Olympics.

Reporter Wang Guan said, "With little surprise, Chinese gymnasts cruised to victory in the Asian Games' women's team final. Yet many were impressed by the fact they didn't play it safe by lowering the degree of difficulty."

Not reducing the level of difficulty increases the risk of making mistakes. But the Chinese women decided to give it a shot.

The games started on uneven bars where Olympic champion He Kexin attempted a set of very challenging moves and succeeded..

Her team-mates were just as entertaining with their own complex and near-flawless movements.

But it was not without anxious moments.

Team captain and Olympic silver medalist in individual all-around, Jiang Yuyuan, was visibly affected by a minor foot injury, and was not in top shape.

Even in the floor exercise in which she feels most comfortable she was at a disadvantage.

The Chinese gymnasts told us they were NOT very satisfied with their performance.

Deng Linlin, Chinese gymnast, said, "I didn't do too well. I feel my body is a bit tight. As for the 2012 Olympics, our first goal is to display team excellence and do our best."

For some other countries, participation was more important than results.

India suffered from losing its head coach just before the opening ceremony. But the team stayed organized and gave it all they had, ending up with a top ten finish.

Joy Chakraborty, Acting coach of Indian Gymnastics Team, said, "China is a world-standard team. Our women couldn't surpass them...but we will do better in future I think."

Having an edge over competitors in Asia didn't make China feel entitled to relax.

They stayed focused and experimented with complex movements throughout the Games, because they know to defend their Olympic title two years later, they will need to do a little bit better than today.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments