Simone Biles and the United States' women's gymnastics team dominated the competition to win gold for second consecutive Olympics in Rio on Tuesday.
The United States was leading by six points going into the final floor exercise rotation. Sixteen-year-old Laurie Hernandez, team captain Aly Raisman and all-around favorite Simone Biles delivered strong routines to decimate the competition ultimately by more than eight points -- the equivalent of a rout.
Team Russia won silver, while China took the bronze.
Back-to-back #GOLD for the first time EVER. pic.twitter.com/0kMQfhh15Y
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 9, 2016
This also marks Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas' second team gold, as both competed as part of the Fierce Five that took the team championship event in London in 2012.
CONGRATULATIONS LADIES! We are all SO incredibly proud of you! #Rio2016 #Gymnastics #TeamUSA #GOLD pic.twitter.com/dWtzJa4dug
— Shawn Johnson East (@ShawnJohnson) August 9, 2016
Team USA wins again!!!! Back to back champions! Congratulations to these amazing girls???? @USAGym #Olympics #Rio2016 #gymnastics @TeamUSA
— Carly Patterson (@CarlyPatterson) August 9, 2016
The victory also sent retiring U.S. team coordinator Marta Karolyi, who turns 74 at the end of this month, out a winner.
Martha and her #FinalFive pic.twitter.com/o1znMW95L0
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) August 9, 2016
Team USA was the heavy favorite to win the team competition, and the Americans lived up to expectations. All of the Americans are also expected to be medal contenders in individual events as well, and Biles is the resounding favorite to win the all-around.
