LONDON, (Reuters) – Yi Siling of China hailed her life-changing moment after being presented with the first gold medal of the London Olympics by IOC President Jacques Rogge following her victory in the women’s 10 metre air rifle today.
Yi finished with a winning total of 502.9 points after 40 shots in the qualifying round and 10 in the eight-woman final at the Royal Artillery Barracks.
Poland’s Sylwia Bogacka, who led for most of the final, claimed silver with a total of 502.2 after a costly 9.7 shot in the eighth round. Yu Dan of China won bronze with a total of 501.5.
Yi, the world number one, smiled in delight as she scooped what is sure to be the first of many golds for China at the London Games.
“I feel very happy,” Yi told reporters through an interpreter in between posing with her medal for photographers.
“For the first round and the last round I was very nervous and didn’t know what I was doing.
“I think this is going to bring some changes to my life as well.”
Among the 2,000 spectators in attendance for the final was International Olympic Committee President Rogge, who clapped from his seat when Yi was confirmed the winner as Chinese dignitaries around him leapt to their feet in delight.
“Yes I did (enjoy the shooting). It was very well presented there is a lot of suspense, it is a matter of tenths of points,” Rogge told reporters.
“The crowd was very knowledgeable and very supportive.”
Rogge said he would be attending all 26 sports in London and will present one more medal, at the men’s marathon, the last he will do in his role which he steps down from next year.
