Zhang lands all-round bronze to put China back on world podium after six years

Zhang Qingying landed China back on the all‑around podium at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, by taking bronze, her first individual world championship medal and the nation's first in the event in six years.

The final followed the usual rotation: the six qualifiers marched through the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise. Zhang, fourth in qualifying, opened with a solid vault that set a steady tone. Mistakes from rivals, notably Japan's Aiko Sugihara and American teen Dulcy Caylor, who both fell on the bars, handed Zhang room to climb. A clean bars routine elevated her to second.

The beam proved nervy, but Zhang's steady work briefly put her in the lead. In the closing floor rotation she chose a traditional Chinese‑style composition that won over both the crowd and judges, and her total of 54.633 points proved enough for bronze. Russia's Olympic champion Angelina Melnikova claimed gold, with the USA's Leanne Wong taking silver.

"I'm very honoured and happy to make the podium in the all-around event after six years of absence for China," Zhang said. "A new cycle, a new start. I will continue to work hard and become more confident."