Olympic Boulevard, the broad maritime avenue that has given new life to downtown Rio, has been converted into the main gathering place for fans because it has been equipped with very big screens on which people can watch athletic events, concert stages and other attractions. She will still compete for the team when the U.S. starts on the vault at Rio the Olympic Arena. “I just couldn’t hold back the tears”.
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The U.S. pulled out front on their first rotation, posting a combined score of 46.866 on the vault to narrowly lead Russian Federation by 0.7 points.
Sydney McLaughlin, who turned 17 on August 7, and 18-year-old Vashti Cunningham both have an outside chance to medal in Rio, and the two teenagers will draw plenty of attention to gauge their potential for future Olympic success.
Later, local fans stamped their feet and celebrated wildly in the judo stadium where Rafaela Silva, competing in the women’s 57kg event, won the host nation’s first gold medal. Her 10 world championship gold medals are the most anyone has ever won.
Biles put a bow on the title by turning in a 15.800 on the team’s third and final floor routine.
Dancing to the samba classic ‘Mas que nada, ‘ Biles charmed Brazilian audiences during her floor routine and she topped all competitors with an overall individual score of 62.366, almost two points ahead of second-place Raisman.
“It feels like worlds, and she’s done that three times already”, Boorman said. They were part of the Fierce Five that won gold in London. “I think something needs to be done”, said Phelps. She, along with Raisman, are veterans now.
Team USA is favored to win gold for the second Summer Olympics in a row.
“There is nothing better for ticket sales than when the country wins its first gold”, Games spokesman Mario Andrada told reporters on Tuesday.
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Uh oh. When NBC ran a split screen picture of an inert Phelps in the waiting area while introducing the women competing in the 200-meter freestyle race, the fear was that the network was firing up the hype again.
