USA LEADS IN OLYMPIC MEDALS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
Go for the Gold! The London Summer Olympics have been proving to be overwhelmingly successful for Team USA athletes and we as a nation are proud for their tenacity and dedication taking us to the top of this most competitive circle.
The road to victory is not an easy one. Many early mornings fueled with grueling practice sessions including days, weeks and months of perfecting skills has brought to fruition winning results and it is all worthwhile. This becomes the ultimate reward.
On Day 6 of the event, the United States has overtaken the lead in number of medals receiving 37 in all followed by China with 34 medals and Japan with 19. These countries are followed by Germany, Russia, France and then Great Britain.
It is only fair to highlight Michael Phelps first. Phelps has made history now with a record-setting 20 medals and a very strong finish in all the swim relays. He has surpassed Russian athlete, Larisa Latynina’s record of 18 back in 1964. President Obama has even called to congratulate him which was an absolute thrill.
In addition to his medals, he can look back and say that he became the first man to swim the same individual event in three consecutive Olympics as he gave one of his best performances in the men’s 200-meter individual medley. His competition is tough. Ryan Lochte has also proven that he is a true champion in every sense of the word. Another beaming winner was Tyler Clary.
The US Women’s Swimmers finished at the top as well. Rebecca Soni set a world record by winning the gold medal in the women’s 200-meter breaststroke. She beat out Japan in a very close finish. A memorable moment took place as American swimmer, Dana Vollmer, set a world record in the 100-meter butterfly. And we cannot forget adorable Missy Franklin who has also claimed gold with her backstroke.
The USA Women’s Gymnastic Team proved that perseverance surely pays off in the long run. ‘The Flying Squirrel’ better known as the young but experienced Gabby Douglas, amazed the crowds and the judges as she received a gold medal in the individual gymnastic event. Her final floor routine was impeccable. Russia’s Viktoria Komova took home the silver medal.
London became a proud nation also as their team took the gold in the Men’s Team Sprint Final. This marked a second time for them repeating what they had done in Beijing. Team Great Britain mastered the men’s canoe slalom taking gold for their magnificent finish. It left the nation breathless. In addition, one of the British athletes who was seen taking part in the Opening Ceremonies last Friday evening, Bradley Wiggins, an extremely talented road cyclist, made history as well. He took the gold medal making him the most decorated British athlete in the Olympics with a total of seven medals.
As the variety of competitions continued, the United States Women’s Rowing Team also received the gold medal.
In other sports events, the U.S. Women’s Basket ball Team beat out Turkey with a significant lead. The USA Men’s Basketball Team has also beat out Nigeria with a score of 156-73. Kayla Harrison is the first American Judo Champion beating out Great Britain for the gold.
Next up on the schedule is more swimming with finals in the Men’s 100-meter butterfly, men’s 50-meter freestyle, women’s 200-meter backstroke and women’s 800-meter freestyle.
Also on the roster is track and field, women’s diving, women’s volleyball and men’s gymnastics in the trampoline final. Wimbledon Tennis is also part of the excitement as we continue with the London Summer Olympics.
So much to do, so much to see, a time for nations across the globe to thrill to the strength of their athletes and the fierce conviction that each holds for their specific sport.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images, A/P, Reuters
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