Csollany is Lord of the Rings

Csollany improved on his Atlanta silver medal

Szilveszter Csollany of Hungary struck gold in the men's gymnastics rings with a dazzling display of strength and stamina in the final performance of the day.

Csollany, the silver medallist at Atlanta, came to the rings the only man who could better Greece's Dimosthenis Tampakos, after he had performed an impressive routine which ended with a double somersault and perfect landing.

But Csollany looked dangerous from his opening rigid headstand and them drew applause as he slowly lowered his body horizontally to display the strength the judges were looking for.

The blond Hungarian gymnast, who now lives and trains in the United States, knew he had the gold won when he landed and so did the crowd which began a slow clap.

Csollany posted a 9.850, with the Swiss judge awarding a 9.9, to overtake Tampakos.

The Greek took the silver with a score of 9.762, while Bulgarian Jordan Jovtchev took the bronze with 9.737.