Ivan Litvinovich of Belarus took men's trampoline gold, while four-time Chinese Olympian Dong Dong claimed silver.

TOKYO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian gymnast Ivan Litvinovich took the Olympic men's trampoline title at Tokyo 2020 on Saturday.

The 20-year-old won gold with 61.715 points, edging China's Dong Dong into second place in 61.235. New Zealand's Dylan Schmidt had bronze in 60.675.

Litvinovich, who is making his Olympic debut, finished first in the qualification thanks to his high-quality performance in the second routine which had a difficulty score of 18.200.

He performed an 18.200-difficulty routine again in the final and earned 17.915 points in time of flight.

"At this moment I can only cry, I really feel like crying. It's been a long way and I did all I could," Litvinovich said after the final. "Every training, every small step was a contribution to this victory. I really didn't expect this, but I was going for it. I just overcome myself and it's a victory for me."

Four-time Olympian Dong won bronze at Beijing 2008, gold at London 2012 and silver at Rio 2016. The 32-year-old placed fifth in qualification. He scored 61.235 points for his stable performance in the final, with an unparalleled 9.700 in horizontal displacement.

However, his gap of 0.780 in time of flight to Litvinovich denied him a chance for gold.

"This medal means a lot to me. I have competed in four Olympics and this medal is a dream come true. I didn't get the gold, but this result is very satisfying," Dong said.

"I think each of the four Olympic Games were tough for me, but every time I adjusted to my best condition and then fought," he said.

Schmidt finished the third by a gap of 0.560 to Dong, but brought New Zealand the first-ever Olympic medal in trampoline gymnastics.

"I feel amazing to make history for New Zealand. Five years ago to be the first ever representing New Zealand in trampoline, now to be on the podium five years later is really really special," he said.

Defending champion Belarusian Uladzislau Hancharou was placed fourth in 60.565.