The United States caught and surpassed China on Thursday in the overall medal count to take a 37 to 34 lead. Both nations still have the same amount of gold medals as the United States closed that gap as well to match the Chinese with 18.
The big winners in Team USA's efforts on Thursday included Gabby Douglas, Tyler Clary, Rebecca Soni, and Kayla Harrison. Douglas became the third straight American to win the women's all-around gymnastics competition -- the first time that's ever happened in Team USA history. Harrison also made history, becoming the first American to ever win a gold in judo. In the pool, Soni captured the women's 200m breakstroke while Clary beat out Ryan Lochte in 200m backstroke.
And then there was Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history. Matched up against Lochte in the 200m IM, Phelps added to his totals by capturing his 20th medal and 16th gold in Olympics history (more than most nations). The big day in the pool was certainly played a role in USA chasing down China.
Here's a more complete look at the medal count:
- United States, 37 (18 gold, 9 silver, 10 bronze)
- China, 34 (18, 11, 5)
- Japan, 19 (2, 6, 11)
- Germany, 17 (4, 8, 5)
- Russia, 17 (3, 6, 8)
For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics Hub
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