Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Simone Biles got her bid for a record five gold medals at the Rio Olympics off to a flying start on Tuesday as the United States defended their women’s gymnastics team title.
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After already adding to their standout records, Americans Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky are expected back in the pool for even more. On Sunday, she shattered the world record in the 400-meter individual medley to win gold.
Ledecky would go first, in the 200 meter freestyle, at 10:19 p.m. Phelps has his sights set on the 200 meter butterfly at 10:28 p.m.
So while the gold medal they won on Tuesday at Rio Olympic Arena was not surprising, it was historic.
Capping off another dramatic night in the pool will be the men’s 4×200 meter freestyle relay.
Though the U.S. has been dominant as of late, the Rio gold marked the first time it has won back-to-back Olympic competitions.
Gabby Douglas (15.766) and Madison Kocian (15.933) were especially strong on the uneven bars in the team’s second rotation and Biles’ 14.800 was the lowest score any of the USA gymnasts would post Tuesday. How hard will it be?
Laurie Hernandez, who made the team as its youngest member at 16, will do vault, balance beam and floor.
Yet speedy forward Marta, a five-time FIFA World Player of the Year victor, has enchanted crowds, leading the team to a 5-1 rout of Sweden on Sunday. It was their third gold after winning a first in Atlanta 1996.
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The first-ever women’s rugby medals were awarded Monday, with Australia winning gold over New Zealand.
