The 2024 FIG World Cup in Athens, Greece, came to a close on March 25, with Xi'an native Wang Zilu clinching the gold medal in the individual club exercise event.

With a score of 32.700, Wang's victory marks a historic breakthrough for Chinese rhythmic gymnastics, as it fills the long-standing gap in the country's gold medal tally in individual categories at this international competition.

Wang Zilu (middle) clinches the gold medal in the individual club exercise event at the 2024 FIG World Cup in Athens. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The Athens leg of this year's FIG World Cup served as the inaugural event of the series and an important training ground for athletes that are preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics. During this leg of the competition, the Chinese team secured one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.

Born in September 2003, Wang began practicing rhythmic gymnastics at the age of seven. With exceptional talent evident from an early age, she later joined the Shaanxi Provincial Rhythmic Gymnastics Team and has won numerous medals in national competitions.

Wang Zilu's excellent performance at the competition. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

Since joining the national team, Wang has consistently delivered outstanding performances on the international stage.

In the 40th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, which was held last August in Valencia, Spain, she secured the 10th place in the individual all-around event, setting a new benchmark for Chinese athletes in this category. Additionally, she achieved the 5th place in the ribbon exercise event, marking the best historical performance for a Chinese athlete in this category at the World Championships.