RIO DE JANEIRO: Russia’s rhythmic gymnasts shut out the rest of the world for a fifth successive Olympics on Sunday, with a free-flowing acrobatic display with hoops and clubs winning them another group all-around gold medal. Spain took silver and Bulgaria bronze.

The Spanish had led after the first ribbon rotation by 0.100 on Bulgaria with Russia third at 0.200.

But the Russians came back on the second — clubs and hoops apparatus. Rolling the hoop along the contours of their bodies, diving through it, and using their feet to catapult it to fellow gymnasts were popular moves.

They drew rapturous applause as they each arched one leg back to perform a synchronised fast-paced Biellmann spin.

Russia scored 36.233 with Spain taking silver ahead of Bulgaria, with both scoring 35.766.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2016