The British men's gymnastics team pulled off an unlikely win over World & Olympic Champion China in the first subdivision of the men's qualification round in London, 272.420-269.985. The Brits were led by Kristian Thomas, whose strong performances earned him first place in the all around qualifications thus far. 

Their competition concluded with an incredible pommel horse routine for event favorite Louis Smith, who nailed his difficult routine for a massive 15.80 in front of an electric home crowd. As Smith's score was posted, he broke down. He cried tears of joy and was compelled to stand back up and thank the crowd. He delivered one of his best performances under enormous pressure and will head into event finals with the gold medal in reach. It was the first truly moving moment of gymnastics competition at the 2012 Olympic Games. 

Minutes after walking off the floor, the British men reacted to their breakout performance. 


How do you feel about your team's performance today?

Max Whitlock - "I really can't believe it! 272 is the highest we've ever scored as a team, so we cant ask for more than that. I'm really happy." 

Kristian Thomas - "We just wanted to come here today and show our consistency and show what we've been doing in the gym. We really have been putting in the hours and the blood, sweat and tears. We've done so many controlled competitions in the last month. It's just nice to come out today and show our solid routines. We've just got to stay focused now and not get too overwhelmed for the team and all around finals."  
 


Did you ever imagine you could beat out China? 

Whitlock - "To be honest, no! They're an amazing team and I'm sure they'll pull it out in the final. We've done our job, now we can just relax and prepare for the final." 



Do you feel beating China today will put extra pressure and expectation on Team GB in the Finals?

Thomas - "I think the press might put a bit more pressure on us. To be honest, China are World Champions, Olympic Champions. 3-up, 3-count team final they're going to be very very strong no doubt about it." 



What was your reaction to Louis Smith's Tears?

Dan Purvis - "I was  surprised, you know, I hope it was happy tears because that was a great routine!" 

Thomas - "That was pretty uncharacteristic of him. It shows how meaningful it is to him. There was enormous pressure on him; he's been all over London with the Olympics, on every TV show and radio. I think it shows how normal a guy he is. He not just a super athlete." 

Smith: "It was just unbelievable. It's been an emotional four years for the team. And we've had a lot of pressure since Beijing to qualify for this Olympics. The crowd was fantastic. It was a beautiful partnership."  


 
How was it competing in the Olympics in front of a home crowd?

Purvis - "It was amazing! When we walked out it was pitch black as soon as they turned the lights on, it was massive. Looking up at the top you couldn't see a spare seat anywhere, so it was pretty unreal." 

Thomas - "It's fantastic. the home crowd gave me the extra bit of lift that you sometimes need in competitions. When I first walked out the arena it was absolutely magnificent. It really was an amazing feeling, so hopefully I can do a similar sort of performance in the team finals, and then all around." 



What did you think of opening ceremonies?

Thomas: "I quite liked the James Bond bit! We watched it in the room, but I had to turn it off towards the end, I was getting too excited! And then I got woken up by the fireworks and so I thought 'Oh, that's the end', and then suddenly they started going again! So it wasn't the best night sleep with all that to be honest, but luckily it didn't have too big of an affect on me this morning. 




On the 1-2 All Around placing for Kristian Thomas and Dan Purvis after one subdivision:

Thomas - "That was Definitely one of my highest (all around scores). And I think it's a great opportunity to do it today. There are a few things I can make a bit better. Now it's a matter of going back to gym and resting and recovering properly, and just having fun now. All the pressure should be slightly taken off because we've done the main job. 

Purvis - "Today started off well, p bars were a bit dodgy. Floor could've been a bit better with one of my tumbles. I was hoping to make floor finals, unfortunately I don't think I'll make that. And then I had a little slip up on pommel. I missed a hand placement going into my triple Russian. But to still score 89.10 with that, I'm still confident for all around finals." 

Smith - "Kristian was a hero. Every single one of the guys was a hero today. We knew this time around we'd have a lot more medal medal chances and final chances, and I think we proved it."