Pushing the human body and spirit beyond limits to break world records has attracted sports fans around the world to cheer on their country. The tradition of sports has brought many people together and let the impossible be perused. This summer during the Athens Summer Olympic Games, Americans are proud to have earned a total of 103 medals, the most overall medals won.
USA has proven to the world that we are gold medal worthy, and will never give up no matter what age, or background. America’s young athletes have had their hearts set on the games ever since they began their athleticism. Countless hours of training over the years have given Olympians the strength to compete at such high leaves of competition.
Four years ago, at the age of 15, Michael Phelps watched the Sydney Olympic Games not knowing that he would be the next world record breaker. Now at age 19, Phelps set out to beat Mark Spitz record of eight gold medals. Although he did not meet his goal, he is still an American hero by earning six gold medals and two bronze. The most intense gold medal that he won was not an individual event; the 4 X 200m freestyle relay. Ian Thorpe, Australian swimmer, and U.S.’s Klete Keller anchored the relay for a head to head press to the finish. The relay team won gold that night for the US. Phelps earned two gold metals that night, Aug. 17; the first was 200m individual freestyle.
Also bringing home gold for the 100m backstroke was Natalie Coughlin. Amanda Beard earns the gold with the 200m breaststroke. Women’s four x 200m freestyle relay wins gold.
US women’s team gymnastics improved since four years ago in the Sydney games when they won silver and Romania gained the gold. Carly Paterson, on the US team won gold in the women’s all-around gymnastics.
USA’s men’s basketball team upset the country with their first loss in 16 years. U.S could not live up to the “dream team” status. Being defeated is something no one wants to admit being their fault, but the roster’s weak unity could be to blame. Even though the NBA players all have professional skills.
