By Ben Tavener, Senior Contributing Reporter
LONDON, ENGLAND – The Brazilian Olympic Team – “Time Brasil” – has won its second gold of the 2012 London Games. Gymnast Arthur Nabarrete Zanetti wrapped himself in the Brazil green-and-yellow flag, roaring in jubilation, as he picked up the country’s first-ever medal in the “Artistic Gymnastic” discipline.
The 22-year-old from São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo state, scored 15.900 points on the rings to win a historic gold, beating China’s defending champion Yibing Chen into second place by just 0.100 points; Italy’s Matteo Morandi took bronze.
Shorting after receiving his gold medal, Zanetti said to Olympic TV: “I am very happy because this is first medal for my country’s [gymnastics] club. I have worked for so long to get this.”
Fellow “Time Brasil” teammate, swimmer Bruno Fratus tweeted: “I’m so emotional at @zanetti_arthur getting his medal. Thanks to all the @timebrasil medal-winners for motivating us to continue fighting!”
The gold brings Brazil back up to 20th place, after previously sinking to 29th. China, the U.S. and Great Britain & Northern Ireland currently head the medal ranking.
Brazil now looks to Tuesday’s football (soccer) semi-finals, after the Seleção beat Honduras on Saturday.
After London, Rio will host the 2016 Olympics and Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes will be in London this coming Sunday to take ownership the Olympic Flag.
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