US team members show their gold medals on the podium during the medal ceremony after winning the women's team final at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Tokyo October 11, 2011.  [Photo/Agencies]

TOKYO - The United States stormed to gold in the women's team event at the world gymnastics championships on Tuesday to emphatically put down a marker for next year's London Olympics.

Despite being without Beijing Olympic captain Alicia Sacramone, who tore her Achilles tendon last week, the US finished with 179.411 points in Tokyo.

Runners-up Russia, the 2010 champions, were way off the pace, with 175.329 points, while China took bronze with 172.820 after falls from the beam and asymmetric bars.

As the last notes of Aly Raisman's floor exercise music faded, the Americans exchanged hugs before walking out with their index fingers pointed skywards.

McKayla Maroney of the US hugs a teammate after her competition on the floor during the women's team final at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Tokyo October 11, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

"It's turned out being an awesome experience," 16-year-old Jordyn Wieber told reporters. "We sent a message that we're really strong as a country.

"Even losing one of our top members we were able to pull through and won the competition."

Raisman echoed her team mate's sentiments.

"It's an amazing feeling," she said. "I've been dreaming of this ever since I was a little kid."

Sabrina Vega of the US competes on the uneven bars during the women's team final at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Tokyo October 11, 2011.  [Photo/Agencies]

Britain's women, led by Beth Tweddle, had their best result at world level with fifth place, just behind Romania in fourth.

Tweddle, 26, earned the highest mark of the night on the asymmetric bars - 15.666 - to give herself some consolation after a mistake in qualifying cost her the chance to defend her 2010 title in the individual final on the apparatus.

"I wanted to prove that I am still up there, I am one of the top bar workers, and don't forget me for London 2012," Tweddle told the BBC.

The top eight teams, who also included Germany, Japan and Australia, gained automatic qualification for the London Olympics.

The men's team final is scheduled for Wednesday when host nation Japan will attempt to win a first world team title in 33 years after topping the qualifying.