Ivan Litvinovich wins men’s trampoline gold in Tokyo

Belarusian gymnast Ivan Litvinovich won gold in the men's trampoline at the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday, 31 July.

The Vileika native won gold with 61.715 points, edging China's Dong Dong into second place with 61.235. New Zealand's Dylan Schmidt rounded out the podium in third with 60.675.

Defending Rio Olympic champion Belarusian Uladzislau Hancharou placed fourth with 60.565.

This is Belarus’ second consecutive Olympic gold in men's trampoline.

"I did not expect it. I thought I would be second or third. I saw Chinese Gao Lei on top of the podium. First emotions... It's hard to explain them now. Seeing that I was first was very overwhelming," Ivan Litvinovich said after the awards ceremony in Tokyo.

Ivan Litvinovich dedicated his gold medal to his grandmother. "I dedicate this success to my grandmother. Unfortunately, she did not live to see me win this medal. But it is her that I want to dedicate it. Is today the happiest day of my life? No! Probably it was the one when I found my coach Olga Vlasova,” the Olympic champion said. “As for the final, I was very nervous. I knew I couldn’t make any mistakes," Ivan Litvinovich said.

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko congratulated trampoline gymnast Ivan Litvinovich on winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

“This award is special as it is the first one for Team Belarus in Tokyo. Competing against the world’s best athletes, you demonstrated great skill, an amazing strength of mind and will to win. You proved that you have no equal today," the message of greetings reads.

Aleksandr Lukashenko congratulated the coaching staff headed by Olga Vlasova on this success. "Your victories make Belarus proud," he stressed.

The president wished the athlete good health, prosperity and new achievements.

President of the Belarusian NOC Viktor Lukashenko, in turn, noted that the athlete lived up to the expectations of fans.

“You have produced an impressive, victorious performance and lived up to the expectations of coaches and, of course, Belarusian fans, confirming the high level of the national trampoline gymnastics school. I am sure that by capturing such a long-awaited medal  for Team Belarus, you will inspire your teammates to win more Olympic medals," the message of reads.

For more information, please contact Belarusian NOC press secretary Victoria Mennanova (+375291708753 for messages in Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram)