Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics

Dong Bin's breakthrough in the triple jump is significant, as it is just the second time a male Chinese athlete has won a medal in an Olympic field event. And he sat down with our Dan Williams, and says having two other Chinese athletes in the final inspired him.

Interview with Dong Bin, triple jump bronze medalist

Dong said, "First, thanks a lot. I am quite excited and happy now. This is my first Olympics, and I was able to grab a spot on the podium."

"Actually I did not expect my first jump to 17.58 meters. After I got the result of the first jump. I was able to get into a good frame of mind. I tried my best in the second attempt, but was injured. That was disappointing because I was hoping to jump over 17.60 meters."

Dong Bin of China celebrates after the final of men's triple jump at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 16, 2016. Dong Bin won the bronze medal. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)

Chinese athletes would suffer injury during second jump attempt

"I am both disappointed and happy. Happiness because this is a top world-level event, it is the Olympics. 17.58 meters is not easy to get. I am sad that after a good leap in my first attempt, I got injured and could not cannot perform to the best of my ability. This is a pity for me.  It was torturing sitting on the sidelines watching the other athletes jump."

China places two athletes in top eight, including a bronze medal

"We should see a breakthrough in the sport, it is not about the medal. Three Chinese athletes competed in the event, and two of us reached the final. We can say among the top twelve athletes in the event, three are Chinese. And two are in the top eight. That means a lot. The medal is not that important. I think that so many Chinese athletes competing is more important than the medal I won."

"It is too early to think about the Toyko Olympics. Just like I said, I should prepare for competition after the Olympics, and get ready to compete at next year's World Championships."