U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team Wins First Gold Medal In 16 Years At London Olympics

The U.S. women's gymnastics team dominated the team finals earlier today at the 2012 London Olympics to earn the first team gold for the United States since 1996.

The 2012 team, consisting of Jordan Weiber, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney, combined for an overall score of 183.596 to capture the gold. Russia scored a 178.530 to capture silver, and Romania rounded out the top three with a score of 176.414.

Each team selected three gymnasts for each of the four apparatuses in the final -- balance beam, uneven bars, vault and floor. By the middle of the competition, Russia proved to be the toughest challenge for the U.S., but lost their steam during the floor routine after two gymnasts fell during their routines.

After Douglas opened up the U.S. turn on the floor with a 15.066 score, Wieber proved that she was not going to let her disappointment in missing the individual all-around distract her in the team competition. Delivering a confident, powerful performance, Wieber seemed to be struggling just to contain her excitement near the end of her routine, knowing how close she was to a gold medal. Rounding out the U.S. trio on the mat, Raisman scored a team-high 15.300. With tears in her eyes, she left the mat knowing that the U.S. would be atop the medal stand.

[via HuffPo]

The team who calls themselves the "Fierce Five" will be coming to town Sunday, October 21, 2012 for the Kellog's Tour of Gymnastics Champions. 2008 all-around champion Nastia Liukin and members of the men's and women's 2011 World Championships and 2012 Olympic teams will be putting their skills on display inside the Cajundome, so make sure you get your tickets now to see the team that did the U.S.A. proud right here in Lafayette!

GO USA!