Rio 2016 : USA gymnastics live up to lofty expectations
From the world’s most decorated Olympian in Olympic History to mysterious color changes in the aquatic center, here’s a look at the highs an the lows that took place in Rio De Janeiro on Day 04 of the 2106 Olympic Games.
Phelps takes Olympic Gold medal tally to 21
Record-breaking Michael Phelps extended his tally to 21 Olympic gold medals as he won individual and team titles on day four at Rio 2016.
The American, 31, comprehensively beat defending champion Chad le Clos in the 200m butterfly.
The most decorated Olympian of all time then helped the US win the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay by a wide margin.
Diving pool at Maria Lenk Turns green, competition continues
Meanwhile Confusion abounded at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre arose as the normally azure pool water turned a swampy green for the women’s synchronised 10m platform final.
Divers were forced to compete in water the colour sea lions – rather than Olympians – are accustomed to performing in.
At the Aquatics Centre, Pedro Adrega, head of communications at Fina, swimming’s governing body, was flabbergasted, suggesting that the athletes had perhaps requested for the colour change to lessen the effects of the sun’s glare.
Inside the press room, American photographers chatted about the possibility of the water having not been treated properly overnight, causing a drop in chlorine levels and the formation of algae.
Once competition was over, organisers released a statement to say that they were still investigating the cause of what was being described on social media as pool gate.
Serena Williams crashes out in third round after shock defeat
Defending champion Serena Williams is out of the Olympics after losing to Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the third round of the women’s singles.
Williams lost 6-4 6-3 to Svitolina, ranked 20th in the world.
The world number one’s struggles were highlighted by five double faults in the seventh game of the second set.
The 34-year-old’s exit means Angelique Kerber and Madison Keys are the only top-eight seeds remaining of what had appeared a very strong field.
Katie Ledecky adds 200m freestyle gold to 400m
American teenager Katie Ledecky remains on course to win an Olympic freestyle treble after claiming gold in the 200m in Rio.
The 19-year-old swimmer has already won the 400m freestyle and is favourite in the 800m later this week.
Ledecky has taken her tally of medals at Rio to three, having won 4x100m freestyle relay silver this week.
Sonny Bill lost for tournament as Japan stun All Blacks
New Zealand hopes of becoming the first Olympic rugby sevens champions suffered a major setback when they lost their opening match to Japan and Sonny Bill Williams for the tournament to an Achilles injury.
The 14-12 defeat was one of biggest upsets in sevens rugby history and its impact on the All Blacks’ campaign was compounded when Williams was forced off the pitch two minutes into the second half.
Japan are ranked 10th out of the 12 teams taking part in Rio but thoroughly deserved their first ever win over the All Blacks, who are seeded third.
USA win women’s gymnastics team gold as Great Britain fifth
The United States blew away the field to win Olympic gold in the women’s gymnastics team event as Great Britain finished fifth.
Led by overwhelming all-around favourite Simone Biles, the USA scored 184.897 to retain their crown and win a fifth successive global title.
Russia claimed silver with 176.688, ahead of bronze medallists China and Japan.
Matthew Abeysinghe fails to qualify for semi’s
Meanwhile Sri Lanka’s Matthew Abeysinghe failed to advance to the semifinals in the 100-meter freestyle at the Olympic Aquatics Center in Rio.
Matthew finished third in his heat in 50.96 seconds and 50th overall in the field of 59. The top 16 swimmers from eight heats advanced to semifinals.
The medal table currently stands with the United States in the lead with a total of 26 medals which includes 09 gold and bronze medals each and 08 silvers; with competitive China in second place with 08 golds and Hungary closing in third with a total of 04 gold medals.
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