The U.S. women’s gymnastics team’s going away party for national team coordinator Martha Karolyi is off to a near perfect start.
The women breezed to the top of the leaderboard in Olympic preliminaries Sunday afternoon. Their total score of 185.238 was nearly 10 better than second-place China through four subdivisions, a massive gap in a sport where the margins are often measured in fractions.
Three-time world champion Simone Biles led the way. Her all-around total of 62.366 was more than two points clear of teammate Aly Raisman.
Defending all-around champion Gabby Douglas finished third but will not compete in the all-around final due to rules that stipulate a two-gymnast maximum per country.
Karolyi is retiring after closing ceremonies. Her team put on a dominant display at Rio Olympic Arena, cementing their status as heavy favorites to back up the team gold the “Fierce Five” won in London four years ago.
..... - Newsday