Monday saw some ups and downs for the United States. The men’s artistic gymnastics team was hoping to earn their first gold since 1984, but some costly mistakes resulted in them not even medaling. The United States placed fifth in the event, in which China landed the gold, Japan earned the silver, and Great Britain won the bronze. The U.S. men’s gymnastics team, however, has several athletes in position to medal: in the vault, Samuel Mikulak came in with the fourth best qualifying score, Daniel Leyva secured the top spot for the all-around, while teammate Tom Orozco came in fourth to advance to the final.
The women’s gymnastics team is atop the leaderboard, and looking to win the gold at the team event. The U.S. women’s gymnastics team is sending two athletes to the individual all-around finals as well – Alexandra Raisman and Gabrielle Douglas who were second and third respectively. Jordyn Wieber was fourth place which would have been good enough to qualify for the final event if it were not for the Olympic rule that only allows two from each country to advance.
There has been sort of a letdown from the men’s swimming team the past few days, but a bright spot occurred today as The U.S. added two more medals to their totals. Matt Grevers of the United States set an Olympic record to win the men’s 100-meter backstroke with a time of 52.16, and Nick Thoman, was second in 52.92. Both Phelps and his teammate Tyler Clary advanced to the semi-finals in the 200 meter butterfly. Phelps ended up with the fifth best qualifying time, which was good enough to advance.
Women’s swimming earned its first medal when Allison Schmitt took the silver and nearly the gold as she just finished after Camille Muffat from France, who set an Olympic record with a time of 4:01.45 (Schmitt came it at 4:01.77). Teenage sensation Missy Franklin won the 100 meter backstroke for her first Olympic gold.
Both Venus and Serena Williams advanced in the tennis event. Venus had to wait a day to play due to rain, and today she ousted recent French Open runner-up Sara Errani of Italy, 6-3, 6-1. Serena beating Urszula Radwanska in the second round, 6-2, 6-3. Venus and Serena began doubles play with a victory over Sorana-Mihaela Cirstea and Simona Halep of Romania 6-3, 6-2. The Williams sisters are hoping to earn their third gold in doubles play, as they won the event in 2000 and 2008.
In men’s tennis, Andy Roddick earned a victory over Slovakia’s Martin Klizan, 7-5, 6-4. Roddick will now face Novak Djokovic, the 2011 Wimbledon champion. John Isner of the United States hit 15 aces Monday and reached the third round by beating Malek Jaziri of Tunisia, 7-6 (1), 6-2.
The United States has tied China for the lead in medal count with 17. However, the U.S. still trails China in the gold medal category. China has 9 golds compared to 5 for the U.S.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
