For the first time since 1996, the United States women’s gymnastics team — including 16-year-old Black superstar Gabby Douglas — has won Olympic gold!
The team of five scored 183.596, easily clinching the gold. Russia scored 178.530 for the silver, while Romania took home the bronze with a score of 176.414.
Douglas, nicknamed “The Flying Squirrel” for her soaring routines, put on a near-flawless performance — she earned an impressive 15.966 on the vault, 15.200 on the uneven bars, 15.233 on the beam and 15.066 on her floor exercise. Douglas had her teammates cheering in anticipation. “Let’s go, Gabby!” Jordyn Wieber, 16, shouted from the sidelines.
It was a tense day for the world champion, Wieber, who was left in tears on Sunday after learning she would not be competing for an individual medal. Despite her personal setback, Weiber put on a fierce performance on the uneven bars, vault, beam and floor. Upon exiting the her floor routine, her best friend, Aly Raisman, 18, gave her a big hug, confirming she had done her best.
So what’s next for Gabby Douglas? On Thursday she and Raisman will compete in the women’s all-around final, where she is said to be the favorite.
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