London Olympics End with US Leading in All Medal Categories
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Streeter Lecka/Getty Images(LONDON) — Day 16 of the London Summer Olympics proved to be a fitting conclusion to the Games for Team USA, which finished the way it started by winning a couple of medals.
The U.S. men’s basketball team defeated Spain, 107-100, for the gold, but the game was much closer than that, with the Americans only holding a one-point lead over their opponent at the end of the half and the conclusion of the third period.
The other medal Sunday for the U.S. was a gold for Jake Varner in the Wrestling Men’s Freestyle 96k.
So after 16 days of competition, Team USA topped all nations in total medals with 104, and its athletes are taking home 46 golds, 29 silvers and 29 bronzes, the most in each of those categories as well.
China was second in overall medals with 87 and second place in gold medals at 38. Russia finished third with 82 total medals.
Commenting on the U.S. accomplishment, Scott Blackmun, chief executive of the U.S. Olympic Committee, said, “We had very, very high expectations coming into the Games, and I think our expectations have been exceeded both on the field of play and off.”
The 104 total was the most the U.S. has won in an Olympics held on foreign soil.
U.S. swimmers dominated by winning 31 total medals, including 16 gold. Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, won six overall and four gold to bring his record-breaking total to 22 medals. Missy Franklin, Ryan Lochte and Allison Schmitt each won five medals.
Track and field was right behind with 29 medals, as Allyson Felix won three gold medals and Carmelita Jeter won gold, silver and bronze. There were also 18 instances of national-best performances by individuals and relays.
Other highlights included the American men’s and women’s basketball teams winning their gold medal games, and U.S. women’s beach volleyball teams taking gold and silver.
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