Chinese markswoman Guo Wenjun's hometown of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, erupted in applause and tears as Guo smashed the Olympic record in the women's 10-meter air pistol on Sunday morning.

With a final score of 492.3, smiling Guo won China the third gold medal in the 2008 Olympics and the second shooting gold medal for the country.

Her grandparents and mother, watching her live on TV at Guo's training school in Xi'an, could not stay as calm as the 24-year-old markswoman.

"I am so happy," said mother Zhang Lin, with tears of joy in her eyes.

Students at the school gathered round to witness Guo's performance and offered bouquets to her relatives when she won.

Zhang said she was nervous during the final shots, "but all those years of hard training finally paid off."

"I am proud that my daughter can distinguish herself in such a fierce competition. She has won our country and the Chinese people great honor," Zhang said.

Grandmother Chen Guizhen said she just wanted to see her granddaughter home as soon as possible.

"The last time I saw her, she said her greatest dream was to win our country a gold medal. Now that she has fulfilled her dream, I just want to congratulate her," she said.

Source: Xinhua