In a World Cup finals rematch, the U.S. women’s soccer team hoped this time to defeat Japan. After going up 2-0 thanks to both of Carli Lloyd’s goals, Japan scored to cut the lead to 2-1 in the second half. Fortunately, the U.S. held on to their lead, and defeated the Japanese to earn the gold and become three-time defending champions.
Claressa Shields won the first middleweight gold medal in women’s Olympic boxing. Shields put on a dominating performance winning easily 19-12. Her power and elusiveness was just too much for Russia’s 33-year-old Nadezda Torlopva, who was nearly twice Shields age. The 17-year-old teenager won the 12-member American team’s only gold medal in London. The U.S. is the winningest nation in Olympic boxing history, however they did not get any medals from its men’s team for the first time, and flyweight Marlen Esparza won a bronze.
There is no catching Usain Bolt. Leading up to the Olympics, people doubted Bolt since teammate Yohan Blake had defeated him in some events, and since Bolt had registered less-impressive times than usual. Bolt reassured everyone he was fine and that he would prove it in London. Bolt did just that by first winning the 100-meter final, and then repeating in the 200-meter final for gold today. Bolt became the first man to repeat as Olympic champion in both the 100 and 200-meter race. The 200-meter race was a Jamaican sweep. All three Jamaicans reached the podium, as Bolt finished first with a time of 19.32 seconds, Yohan Blake came in second with a time of 19.44 seconds, and Weir Warren clinched bronze with a time of 19.84 seconds.
The U.S. men’s basketball team fended off the Australian squad, beating them 119-86 to advance to the semi-finals where they will face Argentina. Kobe Bryant, who had been somewhat quiet during the Olympics, erupted for six 3-pointers in the second half, and scored all of his 20 points in the second half as well. Lebron James’ performance helped pace the Americans. James had the first triple-double by a U.S. player; he finished with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists.
The U.S. has rallied and extended their overall medal total lead over China. The U.S. has 88 total medals, compared to China who is next with 79. The Americans are slightly ahead of China in the gold medal race with 38; China is close behind with 37.
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