The smiling faces and encouraging high-fives were immediately replaced by misty eyes and tight hugs after 1.96m middle blocker Zhao Ruirui scored the decisive point to clinch the women's volleyball bronze medal for China.

The whole team got emotional Saturday on the court that witnessed each of their inspiring victories and depressing losses at the Beijing Games.

China's head coach Chen Zhonghe turned back and walked a few steps away from a frenzied crowd, wiping away tears with the sleeve of his red T-shirt.

But the always-smiling coach later managed to regain his calm as he shook hands with his Cuban counterpart Antonio Perdomo, whose disappointment was evident on his face after the 25-16, 21-25, 25-13 and 25-20 loss to China.

Perdomo's team, who had beaten China 3-2 in the preliminaries, finished its eighth Olympic journey in fourth place.

The bronze medal indeed meant a lot to defending champion China, which was in dire need of a victory after consecutive losses.

"The bronze medal does not come easily. It's the unity of the whole team that sent us through. I have no regrets and this is the most honorable moment in my life," said China's captain Feng Kun, who has been long haunted by knee injuries and was criticized for dragging the team down with her unstable performances.

The veteran player, once regarded as China's best female setter, has decided to retire after the Games.

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