The United States had taken the lead on China in the overall medal count, but lagged behind their primary rival in the gold medal tally. After Day 13, which brought a flurry of U.S. medals on the track and from teams, that's no longer the case.
Team USA won 10 medals on the day, twice Germany's haul, and collected five golds, from boxer Claressa Shields, triple jumper Christian Taylor, decathlete Ashton Eaton, women's water polo, and women's soccer.
The U.S. also scored gold-silver doubles in both the triple jump, where Will Claye added silver to his long jump bronze, and the decathlon, with Trey Hardee taking silver. In all, a staggering 39 American athletes were awarded medals on Thursday.
Combine that rush with China's struggles on the day (the Chinese took just four medals, and only one gold), and the U.S. has likely opened a lead that will not be challenged for the rest of the Olympics, with many track events and chances to medal in both men's and women's basketball and volleyball left for Team USA.
Here is how the top five looks in the latest medal count:
- United States, 90 (39 gold, 25 silver, 26 bronze)
- China, 80 (37, 24, 19)
- Russia, 56 (12, 21, 23)
- Great Britain, 52 (25, 13, 14)
- Germany, 37 (10, 16, 11)
For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics hub.
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