Memorable Moments at the Olympics

American Domination

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Amidst the controversy and challenges surrounding the 2016 Rio Olympics, due to the Zika virus and economic setbacks, the Games were a success for the Americans. The U.S. won a total of 121 medals, and topped in gold with 46, with 37 silver and 38 bronze medals. Team U.S. edged other countries like China, which had a total of 70. Great Britain followed with a total of 67 medals, and Russia (56). Overall it was good for the Americans in Rio. History was made when Helen Maroulis claimed the first wrestling gold medal in U.S. history. The American women’s basketball team also dominated the Games by winning its sixth-straight gold medal. Additionally, the U.S. women's basketball team won more medals than the U.S. men’s basketball team for the last two Summer Games. Here are a few memorable moments for the U.S., with some controversy and upsets at the Games. But despite all the negative publicity, the event and the athletes prevailed.

USA Women's Volleyball Team

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We will begin with the U.S. Women’s top-ranked volleyball team who were favored to dominate the Games, but were upended by Serbia in the semifinal. Serbia had to battle back from behind, but took the final set 15-13 during the final set. Ranked sixth in the world, Serbia was led by Brankica Mihajlovic and Tijana Boskovic, who left the Americans stunned. Serbia moved on to play China, and lost. It was China’s first gold medal in volleyball in four years. The Americans have never won the gold in volleyball. U.S. coach Karch Kiraly told CBS after the game that the loss “cuts deep.” It will be another four years for the U.S. to compete for its next gold in volleyball. The good news is the team regrouped and defeated Netherlands for the bronze.

Drama and Gold

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American swimmer Ryan Lochte created a stir when he claimed he was robbed with three other swimmers in Brazil. He and the others appeared on video allegedly drunk at a gas station. However, back at the pool Lochte joined Michael Phelps to dominate the swimming competition, not the headlines. Phelps said it will be his last Olympic competition and solidified his amazing career by helping the U.S. garner 16 gold medals, and 33 medals overall during a week of competition. Katie Ledecky walked away with 4 gold medals and 1 silver for the women. She dominated and blew her competition away in her last contest for the 800-meter gold. The 19-year-old did it in 11.38 seconds.

Women’s Basketball Team

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The American women’s basketball team won its sixth-straight gold medal, and was unstoppable during the Games. They are considered the best in the world and defeated Spain 101-72 in the final contest in Rio to seal the win. The team proved they are a force to be reckoned by averaging a 37 point lead per game. UConn coach Geno Auriemma helped lead his team to its 49th consecutive victory at the Olympics. But he said a key was respecting his opponents as it was not as easy as it looked against France and Spain. “These are very good teams that we’re playing, and you could see that it wasn’t just a cakewalk,” He told the International Basketball Federation.