Olympic Roundup Day 6: Phelps Wins Again; Murray Beats Djokovic
Day Five of the London Olympics was highlighted by more dramatic results, particularly in tennis and swimming.
Leading by a set, Andy Murray broke Novak Djokovic's serve in the second set to avoid a tie-breaker and earn a chance at a gold medal. An inspired crowd at the All-England Club watched as the British star defeat the second-ranked Djokovic on centre court, 7-5, 7-5. Murray will face Roger Federer, who defeated Juan Martin del Porto, 3-6, 7-6 (5), 19-17. At 4 hours, 26 minutes, it was the longest three-set men's match of the Open era.
In swimming, Michael Phelps won the 100-meter butterfly for a record 17th gold medal, and his 21st medal overall.
American teenager Missy Franklin set a world record in the 200-meter backstroke for her third gold and fourth medal overall at the London Olympics.
Franklin swam the race in 2 minutes, 4.06 seconds, which was 0.75 faster than the mark set by Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe at the 2009 World Championships.
Katie Ledecky made a name for herself in swimming, as well. The 15-year-old American won gold in the 800-meter freestyle with a time of 8 minutes, 15.63 seconds. She defeated defending Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington of Great Britain, who won the bronze --finishing nearly six seconds behind Ledecky.
France's Florent Manaudou won the 50-meter men's freestyle, clocking in at 21.34 seconds, it give the French their fourth swimming gold of the Games.
In women's soccer, the U.S. team advanced to the semifinals with a win over New Zealand, 2-0. Sydney Leroux scored the first goal of her Olympic career.
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.