Team USA won a second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the women’s gymnastics team final for the first time ever.
Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian combined for a score of 184.897 ahead of Russia, who took silver with 176.688. China took bronze with a score of 176.003.
Most popular sports stories
After Biles nailed her final floor routine and the Americans were assured gold, the five members of the team formed a circle.
PhotosWho is Aly Raisman?PhotosWho is Gabby Douglas?PhotosWho is Laurie Hernandez?
“We are the ‘Final Five,’” they all cheered, revealing the name they gave themselves.
The 2012 team was known as the “Fierce Five” and the 1996 team as the “Magnificent Seven.”
“Final Five” is because this is the last Olympics that will have five-member teams. The 2020 Games will be four-member teams.
Team USA, heavily favored to win gold heading into the Rio Olympics, dominated qualifying with a total score of 185.238, which was almost 10 points better than second-place China.
It’s the United States’ third gold medal overall in the team finals. Kerri Strug and “The Magnificent Seven” took gold at the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
Biles and Raisman will compete in Thursday’s all-around final. Douglas, who finished third in qualifying and won the gold medal in the all-around in London in 2012, will miss out on defending her title because only two gymnasts per country are allowed to compete for it. However, Douglas still has a chance at an individual medal in the uneven bars.
..... - Newsday