Beijing Olympic Games

Updated: 2008-08-24 13:03:11

The Russian team performs in the five ropes contest. (Photo credit: Xinhua)

(BEIJING, August 24) — Russia grabbed gold in the Group All-Around final of Rhythmic Gymnastics on Sunday, August 24. China won silver and Belarus ranked third place.

Each group performed two routines — one using five ropes and one using two clubs and three hoops.

After mistakes on the first day of qualifications, the current world champion Russia rose back to the top in the finals with a score of 35.550 points.

The team’s first folk-based performance using ropes ranked them on top, while the second performance secured their gold medal finish.

China won its first Olympic Group medal less than half a point behind Russia with 35.225 points. They had two near-flawless routines, the second of which was performed to Peking Opera.

Top-qualifier Belarus impressed judges with the most difficult routine of the finals, earning the team a combined score of 34.900 points for Bronze.

The Athens 2004 silver medalist, Italy, entertained audiences with creative choreography, but was unable to secure a medal and finished fourth with 34.425 points.