Record-breaking victories for Phelps, U.S. gymnasts

The U.S. women’s gymnastics team took home gold yesterday, cementing the legacy of coach Martha Karolyi’s “Final Five.” The American team has won every world or Olympic title since 2011, and yesterday’s flawless performances confirmed the gymnasts’ world dominance. They finished ahead of the Russian team by more than eight points, an unheard of margin of victory in the usually tight gymnastics competition. U.S. swimmers also racked up the medals yesterday, victories capped by Michael Phelps winning the 21st of his long Olympic career. At 31 years old, Phelps became the oldest individual swimming gold medalist in Olympic history. As the games get started again this morning, the United States has 27 medals, leading the pack of nations. China is in second place with 17 medals.