Big Day in Beijing for American Gymnasts, Swimmers

The U.S. Olympics team racked up the medals today. Edging Michael Phelps and his world record-setting ways briefly out of the spotlight were the American women's gymnasts Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson, who won the gold and silver medals respectively in the all-around competition. First-place was determined only after the final rotation--the floor exercise--and Liukin edged Johnson out. China's Yang Yilin won the bronze. Bela Karolyi described Liukin's and Johnson's differences, “Nastia has those long lines and grace, while Shawn is that little fireball constantly moving. They are so opposite, but their outcome and scores are just about the same.” For fun, here's video of Karolyi freaking out (in a good way) during Liukin's performance.

NJ native Rebecca Soni surprised the women's swim team by setting a world record in the 200 meter breaststroke and winning the gold medal. She was shocked and said, "It just kind of flowed, it just kind of happened. It felt great. I just tried to stay relaxed and not rush through the water, keep my stroke strong and power it to the end."

And in men's swimming, Ryan Lochte beat fellow American and 2004 gold medalist Aaron Peirsol in the 200 meter backstroke. He set a new world record--and then 27 minutes later competed in the 200 meter individual medley. Lochte finished third, while Michael Phelps continued his tear through the competition. Phelps won his sixth gold medal and set a new world record for the 200m IM. Basketball star Kobe Bryant was in the Water Cube watching the event and said, "It's the first time I've ever been at a swimming event, and I said, 'This can't be normal.' And they said, 'It's not normal. This is history in the making.' "

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By Jen Chung in News on August 15, 2008 10:57 AM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

Is that an uneven apparatus, or a baited hook?

Future Taliban

If I wanted to see woman spreading their legs like that I'd just watch pornotube.

aveB4life

ha, faye valentine, found out who that was about 3 weeks ago. i went with the cute perky one until nbc ran a segment that showed her at her HS. She looked like a hobbit compared to everyone. she might legally be a midget. anyway, go USA, and that first photo might be up on Allen+Houston already.

The Man Bat

Dude...don't mess with my American Apparel ads...my god could Faye Reagan/Valentine be any hotter!?!?

Answer: No...no she is the apex of teh hawt.

babyhitler

It was cool that Lukein reminded me of Svetlana Khorkina and Johnson of carly patterson and mary lou retton. It was a very betty and veronica type matchup. Who do you root for? the sultry sexy one or the adorable cute perky one?

breaknight

Unlike most of the girls in American Apparel adds, Liukin is 18. So look all you want.

matty

"I heard a rumor that first photo is going to be the next big American Apparel billboard"

LOL

citizenerased

Yeah photos like that are kind of unnerving in a "is this ok to look at" way. I mean, its the olympics but its also a giant gaping......you know.

Just awkward to look at, like watching Shawn Johnson run like a piglet.

VoidoidRamone

I heard a rumor that first photo is going to be the next big American Apparel billboard

WesleySnipesAlot

Phelps is definitely from Atlantis... or the future... or both.

The Man Bat

That first picture makes me feel all kinda funny and tingly......down there.

I keed...I keed!!

Jen S

Jen, me too. I feel like an overly anxious mom when watching the competitions.

JRod5417

I couldn't watch much of it because I fell asleep on the couch.

Jen Chung

@Jen S--thanks, I knew that but my fingers apparently had a mind of their own, as they unfortunately do at times.

At any rate, really great effort by both Liukin and Johnson. But I admit I couldn't watch much of it live, because it makes me nervous.

lanciano

i was rooting for Shawn Johnson. She was so encouraging and fun as she spotted Meredith Viera on all the gymnastic equipment. But I am thrilled that the US took both Gold and Silver over the underaged gymnasts.