Last week, it was Michael Phelps reminding us that the Olympics are more than a passing photo op or filler for your Facebook feed. The American swimmer's 12th individual medal matched a record of another famous Olympic athlete — from more than 2,100 years ago! Leonidas of Rhodes, a runner, had won 12 solo medals at four Games between 164 and 152 BC, considered one of the world's oldest records.
Last night it was Usain Bolt's chance to reach for Olympic "immortality," taking home his third straight 100-meter dash title. In a year littered with doping scandals, some athletes can still achieve legendary status through sheer talent alone. The 9.81 seconds it took him to complete 100 meters in yesterday's final, was actually the slowest of the three winning Olympic results for the now 29-year-old Jamaican star. But perhaps it was victory that carried the most meaning. "It wasn't the perfect race, but the fact is I won," he told reporters after the race.
Bolt was bullish about his chances to add to his legend, ahead of the 200m and 4x100m relay events later this week, aiming for a "triple triple" of three gold medals in three sprints in three consecutive Games. The crowning of the "fastest man on earth" is perhaps the singular defining moment for each Olympics. Doing it three Games running is a feat (and feet!) for the ages.
- India celebrates 70 years of independence from British rule.
- Japan commemorates 71st anniversary of the end of World War II, which also marks the independence of South Korea.
- Clinton and Biden campaign together for the first time in Pennsylvania.