China finished with 188.9 points in the women's team final Wednesday, more than two points ahead of the Americans, who came in as world champions and with the sport's two best gymnasts.
But the Americans lost any shot they had with multiple mistakes on their last two events, and had to settle for silver for a second straight games. Defending Olympic champion Romania was third.

China's Jiang Yuyuan competes on the uneven bars during the women's team final of the artistic gymnastics event of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing on August 13, 2008. China has won its first Olympic gold medal in women's gymnastics. 

China's He Kexin reacts after competing on the uneven bars during the women's team final of the artistic gymnastics event of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing on August 13, 2008.China has won its first Olympic gold medal in women's gymnastics.

 
China's Jiang Yuyuan competes in the floor exercise during the women's team final of the artistic gymnastics event of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing on August 13, 2008. China has won its first Olympic gold medal in women's gymnastics.