Five-time Olympic gymnastics medalist Zou Kai said here on Sunday that he was in his top form but still need to improve if he wants to keep competitive at major international events.

Zou, 26, didn't train regularly until the second half of this year as he got married last November. He failed to qualify for China's squad for the World Championships next month.

"Actually I have recovered to my best," said Zou who believed himself was as good as he was at the 2012 London Olympics. "But the level of gymnastics keeps improve. If I want to be competitive, I have to continue to make progress."

Zou clinched three golds at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and added two more four years later in London to become the most prolific Chinese Olympian. But Zou and his less experienced teammates failed to collect the 11th consecutive title in the men's team event as Japan finished first in 355.475 points.

The hosts South Korea claimed the silver in 350.875 points while China trailed behind in 350.300 points.

"Of course I'm not happy with the bronze medal," said Zou, who reached the finals of floor and high bar. "But it might be a good thing to my young teammates. They will learn from the defeat then become top gymnasts." Endit

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)