China Strikes Gold Early at Rain-Soaked Paris Olympics

Team China sprinted out of the gates at the Paris Olympics, snagging its first gold medal just hours after a rain-drenched opening ceremony set the stage for a dramatic Games. Teen sharpshooters Sheng Lihao (17) and Huang Yuting (18) clinched victory in the mixed-team 10-meter air rifle event, proving age is just a number when it comes to precision .

The golden momentum continued as diving icons Chang Yani (22) and Chen Yiwen (25) dominated the women's synchronized 3-meter springboard final. The dynamic duo, undefeated in world championships since 2022, scored a whopping 336.73 points – nearly 25 points ahead of silver medalists Mexico .

\"This is just the beginning,\" said Chinese diving coach Zhou Jihong, hinting at ambitions to surpass their Tokyo 2020 haul of 7 diving golds. British pair Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen took bronze, celebrating their first Olympic podium .

As athletes battled both competitors and soggy conditions, the early medal tally suggests China means business in Paris. With 15 golds up for grabs in diving alone, all eyes will be on whether Team China can make history with a near-perfect sweep .

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China wins first gold as rain dampens Olympics after dazzling ceremony

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