The smiling faces and encouraging high-fives were immediately replaced by misty eyes and tight hugs after 1.96m middle blocker Zhao Ruirui scored the decisive point to clinch the women's volleyball bronze medal for China.
The whole team got emotional Saturday on the court that witnessed each of their inspiring victories and depressing losses at the Beijing Games.
China's head coach Chen Zhonghe turned back and walked a few steps away from a frenzied crowd, wiping away tears with the sleeve of his red T-shirt.
But the always-smiling coach later managed to regain his calm as he shook hands with his Cuban counterpart Antonio Perdomo, whose disappointment was evident on his face after the 25-16, 21-25, 25-13 and 25-20 loss to China.
Perdomo's team, who had beaten China 3-2 in the preliminaries, finished its eighth Olympic journey in fourth place.
The bronze medal indeed meant a lot to defending champion China, which was in dire need of a victory after consecutive losses.
"The bronze medal does not come easily. It's the unity of the whole team that sent us through. I have no regrets and this is the most honorable moment in my life," said China's captain Feng Kun, who has been long haunted by knee injuries and was criticized for dragging the team down with her unstable performances.
The veteran player, once regarded as China's best female setter, has decided to retire after the Games.
China's head coach Chen did not bother to control tears at the post-match press conference. He described the process as "very bitter and very tough" to revive from the depressing loss to Brazil.
Without making it clear whether he would continue coaching the team, Chen said he has confidence in the future of Chinese women's volleyball.
"Young players, like Wang Yimei and Ma Yunwen, have great potential. But remember, no pain, no gain. So long as they are ready to make efforts, the Chinese team will be a strong team in a few years," he said.
Unstoppable Brazil won its first-ever Olympic gold medal in women's volleyball after beating the US 3-1 Saturday.
The Americans took home their second silver, having won one at the Los Angeles Games in 1984.
实用资料:中学英语写作常用的52个句型
优秀作文必备:英语标点的正确使用(一)
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My Backpack
英语写作需要掌握的八种句型
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在付出中找到真正的快乐
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小学生优秀作文选登:A Photo of My Family
小学生优秀作文选登:HOMEWORK
优秀作文必备:英语标点的正确使用(三)
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英语测试:写作困境分析及应试策略
优秀作文必备:英语标点的正确使用(五)
小学生优秀作文选登:Amusements And Sports
小学生优秀作文选登:THE HARM OF SMOKING
My Backpack
小学生优秀作文选登:Glorious teacher
美文欣赏:爸爸妈妈,我爱你们!
小学生优秀英语习作选登:A Happy family
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