The Japanese women's artistic gymnastics team that was rocked a week before the start of the Olympics by the withdrawal of its captain for underage smoking and drinking, finished eighth on Tuesday in Paris as the Simone Biles-led United States won gold.

The Japan team of Rina Kishi, Haruka Nakamura, Mana Okamura and Kohane Ushioku, all teen Olympic debutants, went around the four apparatus at Bercy Arena with just four members as compared to the five in the other finalists.

Combined photo shows Japanese gymnasts (from L) Kohane Ushioku, Rina Kishi, Mana Okamura and Haruka Nakamura competing in the women's artistic gymnastics team final at the Paris Olympics on July 30, 2024, at Bercy Arena in Paris. They finished eighth. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
Japanese gymnasts (from L) Kohane Ushioku, Haruka Nakamura, Mana Okamura and Rina Kishi are pictured after the women's artistic gymnastics team final at the Paris Olympics at Bercy Arena in Paris on July 30, 2024. (Kyodo)

The United States won with 171.296 points, followed by Italy on 165.494 and Brazil with 164.497.

Japan logged 159.463 to finish last of the eight teams, continuing its medal-free streak that has lasted since the 1964 Tokyo Games.

"There were areas that didn't go as well as the qualification round, but everyone in the team helped me put in good performances," said Kishi after appearing on all four apparatus alongside Nakamura.

Nineteen-year-old Shoko Miyata pulled out of the Japan team on July 19 after admitting to smoking and drinking on one occasion each in the period since late June. Smoking and drinking are prohibited in Japan for those under the age of 20.

U.S. gymnast Simone Biles performs on the balance beam in the women's artistic gymnastics team final at the Paris Olympics on July 30, 2024, at Bercy Arena in Paris. The United States won gold. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Members of the U.S. women's artistic gymnastics team celebrate after winning gold in the team event at the Paris Olympics on July 30, 2024, at Bercy Arena in Paris. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
Simone Biles (front L) and her teammates celebrate after Team USA wins the women's artistic gymnastics team final at the Paris Olympics at Bercy Arena in Paris on July 30, 2024. (Kyodo)

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