Team USA has been dominating so far in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Leading in the total medal count and with a gold medal count almost double that of China, who is currently second overall, it seems that American athletes cannot be stopped.
America's Olympic Gymnastics team, also known as the "Final Five," have stolen America's hearts. Not only are Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, Simone Biles, and Aly Raisman adorable and have way too much fun on camera, they have proved themselves to be the unbeatable team in Rio. Simone Biles, 19, took gold in her first Olympic All-Around Competition while Aly Raisman took silver, beating out both the Russians and the Chinese. All five girls also took the gold in the Team Competition.
Michael Phelps, in his last Olympic games, upped his gold medal count to twenty-three. He has competed in five Olympic Games and finished out his career with a gold medal in his final race. He is the most decorated Olympian of all time, in any sport. The silver medal he won was because Joseph Schooling of Singapore, who met Phelps, an idol of his, when he was only thirteen, out swam him.
Nineteen-year-old swimmer Katy Ledecky has also dominated in the swimming world. In the 800 meter free, she not only broke her own world record but led the rest of the swimmers by about half a lap. That victory gave her her fourth gold medal in her second Olympic Games. Ledecky seems to be joining the ranks of Michael Phelps, who inspired her as a young swimmer years before she ever competed in any Olympic Games.
In total the US has thirty-three medals - sixteen of them gold - in swimming events.
America's first gold of these Olympic Games was won by teenager Ginny Thrasher in an air rifle event on the first day of her very first Games. Her score also set a new Olympic record.
On top of gymnastics, swimming, and shooting, Team USA has also won gold medals in rowing, judo, track and field, and cycling. This is not including the numerous sports in which they have won silver and bronze.
This is not the end for Team USA either - with several days left in the Games, many American athletes will soon have their chance to take home the gold and retain America's standing as first in both the total medal count and the gold medal count.
Emma Coburn, a steeplechase runner, led the pack and finished second in the qualifying round, and Justin Gatlin has yet to run his 100m dash. Women's volleyball is leading in the tournament with no losses so far, and beach volleyball duo April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings remain undefeated.
American athletes always give their all in their events and compete in an inspiring way. We wish them the best of luck as they continue competing in what they do best.
