The U.S. women’s softball team won every Olympic title and world championship from 1986 through 2006, but worlds were held every four years.
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Had she won that, and she missed out by just 0.02, the landmark gold would have been hers alone but she was happy that was not the case.
Sunday proved even more successful for Britain’s Olympians, who claimed eight medals in one day and overtook China to move into second place on the medals table.
Team USA is leading the medal count for the 2016 Rio Olympics and for each medal they win, they receive a cash prize – $25,000 for gold, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze – paid for by the United States Olympic Committee.
Manuel edged out Australian sisters Cate and Bronte Campbell, the perceived favorites, to become the first African-American woman to medal, much less win gold, in an individual swimming event.
It was a poignant occasion for Houghton after her father Robin died earlier in the year, with his flag brought to the Lagoa by her mother Andrea. But the German roared back in a close second, only for Puig to run away with the third.
“Oh my God”, she screamed before breaking down in tears and parading her national flag around centre court.
The other gold medal winners were Andy Murray in tennis, Justin Rose in golf and Jason Kenny in cycling.
Great Britain ended the Rio 2016 rowing regatta in style as the men’s eight won gold and the corresponding women’s crew secured a maiden Olympic medal. The Jamaican athlete (and self-described entertainer) set the world record in 2009 and the Olympic record in 2012 (London) breaking his previous record set in Beijing in 2008.
The US team of Sarah Hammer, Kelly Catlin, Chloe Dygert and Sarah Hammer finished in 4:12.454.
After 63 races covering five Olympics and swimming a total of 11,800 meters, Phelps retired. American legend Bob Beamon’s Olympic record of 8.90 meters remains unbroken after 48 years.
The sad history of racism and discrimination at America’s swimming pools is all the more reason why fans especially Blacks across the country celebrated the historic win for Manuel.
USA swimmer Simone Manuel won her second gold medal Saturday night in the 4×100 meter relay, helping the American team win the race for the second straight race.
One feature of Rio 2016 was the progress made by east European nations, with Poland.
In the final night in the pool, Michael Phelps swam the third leg as the US romped to gold in the 4x100m medley relay.
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Great Britain spoiled the Chinese streak in the fourth and final synchro competition as Jack Laugher and Chris Mears took home its first Olympic diving title. “When I was rowing, it was just all about rowing and I was so lucky to have the rowing to get me through that, and my dad to get me through the rowing”. “My swimming career might be over, but it’s time do something else”.
