Seems like the entire USA has been concentrating on either Michael Phelps, the women's gymnastic team, Michael Phelps, and the Redeem Team (did I mention Michael Phelps). Well, what about the rest of the American athletes in the Olympics? Believe it or not, there are others besides Phelps, Alicia Sacramone, and LeBron James. There's Tyson Gay, the Williams sisters, the entire women's soccer team, and many other Americans doing well. Here's a look at how five different teams are doing in the Olympics.
1. USA Women's Soccer Team
The USA has always done well in women's soccer. They've won a whole boatload of tropheys and cups: the World Cup twice in 1991 and 1999; the Olympics in 1996 and 2004; and many other tournaments. This year, it looks like they're gonna take gold again. With a 2-1 victory over Canada yesterday, the USA advances to the semi-finals.
2. Venus & Serena Williams
The Williams sisters have done great in tennis this year. Venus just won Wimbledon and her sister Serena almost won it. In 2000, the sisters won the gold medal at the Olympics. This year, they beat Russia's Vera Zvonareva and Elena Vesnina to advance to the semi-finals of the tennis doubles.
3. USA Men's Track & Field
Rememer all the talk about Tyson Gay and Lopez Lomong (the USA flagbearer)? It seems that they've been lost to the American people, replaced by Michael Phelps and gymnastics. The track team has been doing quite well though. Tyson Gay and Darvis Patton both made it to the semi-finals in the 100m event. The US shotput team also won silver after a misfortunate mistake. Bernard Lagat, Lopez Lomong, and Leo Manzano have helped the USA advance to the 1,500m semi-finals. Bershawn Jackson (pictured), Angelo Taylor, and Kerron Clement all made it to the semis of the 400m hurdles also.
4. USA Men's & Women's Volleyball
After the death of Coach Hugh McCutcheon's relatives, the men's team have gone undefeated in the entire event and automatically qualified for the quarter-finals. The women have also done well, losing only one match. They also advance to the quarter-finals.
5. USA Women's Fencing
I totally forgot about this sport, but Dakota mentioned this to me and I decided to put it in. The USA had great members on the team who were able to help win the event, including Mariel Zagunis who became the first American ever to win the gold in fencing back in 2004. The Americans did well and swpet the entire singles event. Mariel Zagunis won gold, Sada Jacobson won silver, and Becca Ward won bronze. However, China and the Ukraine were able to out-fence the USA in the team fencing. Ukraine won gold, China won silver, and the USA won bronze.
Basketball, swimming, and gymnastics have been great to watch. However, people should not forget the other athletes doing well in the Olympics. These people have played their hearts out for their country and they deserve the respect of every American.
pictures from Getty Images & Reuters
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