Gold Again: Biles Leads US to Gymnastics Victory in Rio
The U.S. women took their second consecutive Olympic team title
By Rick Freeman ••
Fittingly, Simone Biles had to outshine two teammates to put the exclamation point on an astonishing, flawless gold-medal performance by the U.S. women's gymnastics team.
She turned in the highest score of any competitor on the floor exercise, right after Aly Raisman toppped Laurie Hernandez, who had done the same thing.
The American women were only competing against themselves. A few moments later, when the result was official, Biles, Raisman, Hernandez, Gabby Douglas and Madison Kocian huddled together, stacked their hands and broke with a shout: "We are the Final Five!"
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The USA Basketball Men's National Team celebrates after winning the Gold Medal Game against Serbia on Day 16 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1 on Aug. 21, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Ashton Eaton of the United States celebrates winning gold overall after the Men's Decathlon 1500m on Day 13 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 18, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medallists USA's guard Lindsay Whalen, USA's guard Sue Bird, USA's forward Seimone Augustus, USA's forward Maya Moore, USA's power forward Breanna Stewart, USA's small forward Angel Mccoughtry, USA's forward Tamika Catchings, USA's small forward Elena Delle Donne, USA's guard Diana Taurasi, USA's centre Sylvia Fowles, USA's centre Tina Charles and USA's centre Brittney Griner pose after the final of the Women's basketball competition at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 20, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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Bronze medallist USA's David Boudia poses during the podium ceremony of the Men's 10m Platform final during the diving event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 20, 2016.
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Bronze medalists Sharif Sharifov of Azerbaijan (L) and J'den Michael Tbory Cox of the United States pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Freestyle 86kg Wrestling on Day 15 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 2 on Aug. 20, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalist, Dalilah Muhammad of the United States, poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 400m Hurdles on Day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 19, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medalist Ashley Spencer of the United States, poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 400m Hurdles on Day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 19, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's gold medallist team poses on the podium after the women's water polo final against Italy at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 19, 2016.
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Connor Fields celebrates with his gold medal after winning the Men's BMX Final on day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic BMX Centre on Aug. 19, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Silver medalist Alise Post of the United States celebrates during the Women's BMX Final on day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic BMX Centre on Aug. 19, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(L-R) Bronze medallist USA's Kristi Castlin, gold medallist USA's Brianna Rollins and silver medallist USA's Nia Ali celebrate after the Women's 100m Hurdles Final during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 17, 2016.
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(L-R) Silver medalist, Joe Kovacs of the United States, gold medalist, Ryan Crouser of the United States, and bronze medalist, Tomas Walsh of New Zealand, pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men s Shot Put Final on Day 13 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 18, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalist, Tianna Bartoletta of the United States, poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's long jump on day 13 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 18, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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United States' Joe Kovacs holds his silver medal for the shot put during the athletics competitions of the 2016 Summer Olympics at the Olympic stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug. 18, 2016.
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Silver medalist, Brittney Reese poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's long jump on day 13 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 18, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Kerron Clement of USA with his gold medal after he won the men's 400m hurdles final in the Olympic Stadium, Maracanã, during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Jennifer Simpson poses during the podium ceremony for the women's 1500m of the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 17, 2016.
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Bronze medalist Sam Kendricks of USA poses during the medal ceremony for the Men's Pole Vault on day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on Aug. 16, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's bronze medallists, April Ross (right) and Kerri Walsh Jennings, celebrate on the podium at the end of the women's beach volleyball event at the Beach Volley Arena in Rio de Janeiro late on August 17, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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Gold medalist Michelle Carter of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's Shot Putnon Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(L-R) Silver medalists Lucy Davis of United States riding Barron, Kent Farrington of the United States riding Voyeur, McLain Ward of United States riding Azur and Elizabeth Madden of United States riding Cortes'c' celebrate during the medal ceremony after the Jumping Team competition on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Equestrian Centre on Aug. 17, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Silver medalist Evan Jager of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the Men's 3000m Steeplechase Final on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 17, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Emma Coburn catches an American flag from a fan after the women's 3000-meter steeplechase on Aug. 15, 2016. Coburn won the bronze medal.
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Silver medallist USA's Allyson Felix poses on the podium for the women's 400 meter during the athletics at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 16, 2016.
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Silver medallist USA's Tori Bowie poses on the podium for women's 100m Final at the athletics during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 14, 2016.
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USA's Matt Kuchar poses for a selfie with USA's Bubba Watson after winning the Bronze in the men's individual stroke play final day at the Olympic Golf course during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 14, 2016.
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Silver medalist Genevra Stone of the United States celebrates after the medal ceremony for the Women's Single Sculls on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Lagoa Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Will Claye celebrates winning the silver in the Men's Triple Jump Final during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 16, 2016.
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USA's gold medallists Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jack Sock pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the mixed doubles tennis event at the Olympic Tennis Centre of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 14, 2016.
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Bronze medalist, Ibtihaj Muhammad of the United States celebrates on the podium during the women's sabre team bronze medal match between United States and Italy on day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 3 on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medallist USA's Sam Kendricks attends the medal ceremony for the men's pole vault during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 16, 2016.
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USA's Nico Miguel Hernandez poses with his medal after winning in the boxing matches in the Rio Olympics at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 14, 2016.
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Silver medalist Simone Manuel of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 50m Freestyle Final on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medallist the USA's Clayton Murphy celebrates on the podium for the men's 800 meter during the athletics at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 16, 2016.
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Gold medalist Michelle Carter of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's Shot Put on Day 8 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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US Allison M. Brock, US Laura Graves, US Kasey Perry-Glass and US Steffen Peters salute the crowd on the podium after winning the bronze medal of the Equestrian Dressage team competition of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016.
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Sarah Hammer, Kelly Catlin, Chloe Dygert, Jennifer Valente get silver medals for the women's team pursuit finals in track cycling at the Rio Olympic Velodrome.
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Gold medallists USA's Katelin Snyder, USA's Kerry Simmonds, USA's Emily Regan, USA's Amanda Polk, USA's Eleanor Logan, USA's Lauren Schmetterling, USA's Amanda Elmore, USA's Meghan Musnicki and USA's Tessa Gobbo celebrate on the podium of the Women's Eight final rowing competition at the Lagoa stadium during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 13, 2016.
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Caleb Paine of the United States celebrates winning the bronze medal in the Finn class on Day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Marina da Gloria on Aug. 16, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 12: (L-R) Bronze medalists Miles Chamley-Watson, Race Imboden, Gerek Meinhardt and Alexander Massialas stand on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Team Foil event on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 3 on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Judoka Kayla Harrison of the United States poses for a photo with her gold medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Judoka, Travis Stevens of the United States poses for a photo with his silver medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 10, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(L-R) Bronze medalists Steve Johnson and Jack Sock of the United States stand on the podium after the Men's Doubles competition on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Tennis Centre on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medalist Kim Rhode of the United States smiles during the medal ceremony for the Skeet event on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Olympic Shooting Centre on Aug. 12, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Virginia Thrasher of the United States waves after winning the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Women's Finals on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Shooting Centre on Aug. 6, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Swimmer David Plummer of the United States poses for a photo with his bronze medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalists Alexandra Raisman, Madison Kocian, Lauren Hernandez, Gabrielle Douglas and Simone Biles of the United States pose for photographs with their medals for the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's silver medal winner Daryl Homer poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the mens individual sabre fencing event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Carioca Arena 3 in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 10, 2016.
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Swimmer Dana Vollner of the United States poses for a photo with her bronze and silver medals on the NBC Today show set at Copacabana Beach on Aug. 8, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalists Townley Haas, Conor Dwyer, Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps of the United States celebrate during the medal presentation for the Men's 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Diver, Sam Dorman of the United States poses for a photo with his silver medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 11, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Lilly King wrapped in her national flag poses with her gold medal on the podium after she won the Women's 100m Breaststroke Final during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 8, 2016.
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Gold medalist Kristin Armstrong of the United States shows her emotion on the podium at the medal ceremony for the Cycling Road Women's Individual Time Trial on Day 5 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Pontal on Aug. 10, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalist Katie Ledecky of the United States poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 200m Freestyle Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Diver David Boudia of the United States poses for a photo with his silver medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps from the United States of America kisses his medal during the awarding ceremony of the swimming final of men's 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 7, 2016. The United States won the gold medal with 3 minutes 9.92 seconds.
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Bronze medallist Phillip Dutton of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the eventing team Individual final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Equestrian Centre on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's gold medallist Virginia Thrasher celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's 10m air rifle shooting event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Shooting Centre in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 6, 2016.
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Silver medalist Maya Dirado of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the Final of the Women's 400m Individual Medley on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 6, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Swimmer, Townley Haas of the United States poses for a photo with his gold medal on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on Aug. 10, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Silver medalist Alexander Massialas of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Individual Foil Finals on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 3 on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Dana Vollmer poses on the podium after she won bronze in the Women's 100m Butterfly Final during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 7, 2016.
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Gold medalist Katie Ledecky of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the Women's 400m Freestyle Final on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medalist Cody Miller of the United States poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's 100m Breaststroke Final on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Silver medalists David Boudia and Steele Johnson of the United States pose during the medal ceremony for the Men's Diving Synchronised 10m Platform Final on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre on Aug. 8, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medalist Leah Smith of the United States poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 400m Freestyle Final on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Gold medalists Nathan Adrian, Ryan Held, Michael Phelps and Caeleb Dressell of the United States pose on the podium during Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Kathleen Baker poses with her silver medal on the podium of the Women's 100m Backstroke during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 8, 2016.
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USA's Ryan Murphy (right) poses on the podium with bronze medallist USA's David Plummer after he won the Men's 100m Backstroke Final during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 8, 2016.
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Bronze medallist Katie Meili of the United States poses during the medal ceremony for the Women's 100m Breaststroke Final on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 8, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(L-R) Silver medalist, South Africa's Chad Guy Bertrand le Clos, Gold medalist, China's Yang Sun and Bronze medalist Conor Dwyer of the USA at an award ceremony for the men's 200m freestyle event at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at Olympic Aquatics Stadium.
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Silver medalist Chase Kalisz of the United States during the medal ceremony for the Final of the Men's 400m Individual Medley on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 6, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Bronze medalist Corey Cogdell of the United States smiles on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Womens Trap event during the shooting competition on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Shooting Centre on Aug. 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(L-R) Brady Ellison, Zach Garrett and Jake Kaminski of the United States celebrate with their Silver Medals after finishing second during the Men's Team Final match on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Sambodromo on Aug. 6, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The self-administered moniker is a nod to 2012's "Fierce Five," which included Raisman and Douglas, and to 2020's team, which will be only four athletes due to a rules change.
Douglas said after the victory that winning her second all-around gold felt the same as it did four years ago.
"Being back out here on the highest stage is something so special and so unique," she told Bob Costas.
The fiercest competition in the gym was for second place behind the Americans, who won by more than eight points over Russia. China edged out Japan for the bronze.
A day after the US men's team flopped to fifth, the women put on a show from start to finish, going 12 for 12 on their routines. The incredible depth of the USA program was on display as Douglas, the 2012 all-around individual champion only competed on bars, nailing a 15.766 that was still topped by Madison Kocian’s sizzling 15.933.
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United States' Michael Phelps celebrates winning his gold medal in the men's 200-meter butterfly with his fiance Nicole Johnson and baby Boomer during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps of the USA wins Gold in the Men's 200m Butterfly Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug, 9, 2016, in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.
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Ruolin Chen and Huixia Liu of China compete in the Women's Diving Synchronised 10m Platform Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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United States' Katie Ledecky celebrates after coming first in the women's 200-meter freestyle final during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Sven Maresch of Germany, left, and Sergiu Toma of United Arab Emirates compete during the Men's -81kg bout on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Carioca Arena 2 on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Esraa Ahmed of Egypt competes during the Women's 63kg Group B Weightlifting contest on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Riocentro - Pavilion 2 on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Michael Phelps, center, of the United States touches the wall to win gold in the Men's 200m Butterfly Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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The Women's Laser Radial class competes on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Marina da Gloria on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Hao Chang of Chinese Taipei pictured shortly after finishing his RS-X class race on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Marina da Gloria on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Germany's player Tabea Kemme, left, vies for the ball with Canada's player Nichelle Prince during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games first Round Group F women's football match Canada vs Germany, at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia on Aug. 9, 2016.
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Germany versus Canada Women's Football Olympics Day 4 at Mane Garrincha Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Brasilia, Brazil.
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Pauline Schaefer of Germany competes on the balance beam during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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United States' Michael Phelps celebrates winning the gold medal in the men's 200-meter butterfly during the swimming competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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(Left-right) Silver medalist Monica Karsch of Germany, gold medalist Anna Korakaki of Greece, and Heidi Diethelm Gerber of Sweden pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the women's 25m pistol event on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Shooting Centre on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Iran's Zahra Nemati shoots an arrow during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games women's competition at the Sambodromo archery venue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 9, 2016.
Lauren Hernandez of the United States competes on the balance beam during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Isabelle Yacoubou #4 of France looks on against Australia in the Women's Preliminary Round Group A match between Australia and France on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Youth Arena on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Paola Espinosa and Alejandra Orozco of Mexico compete in the Women's Diving Synchronised 10m Platform Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Denis Gargaud Chanut of France reacts during the Canoe Single (C1) Men's Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Whitewater Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Maggie Steffens of USA shoots under pressure from Beatriz Ortiz Munoz and Anna Espar Llaquet of Spain during Water Polo Preliminary Round Group B match on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Rickie Fowler of the United States watches a tee shot during a practice round on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Olympic Golf Course on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Josua Tuisova of Fiji is tackled by Daniel Sancery of Brazil during the Men's Rugby Sevens Pool A match between Fiji and Brazil on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Pablo Crer of Argentina celebrates with a young boy after winning the men's qualifying volleyball match between Russia and Argentina on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracanazinho on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Joan Losada of Spain is tackled by Juan de Jongh (12) and Cecil Afrika of South Africa during the Men's Rugby Sevens Pool B match between South Africa and Spain on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Serghei Cechir of Moldova celebrates during the Men's 69kg Group B Weightlifting contest on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Riocentro - Pavilion 2 on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Xavi Lleonart #17 of Spain celebrates with Bosco Perez-Pla #5 and Manel Terraza #22 after Lleonart scored a late goal against New Zealand during the hockey game on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Hockey Centre on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Nick Wilson #32 of New Zealand attempts a shot past Bosco Perez-Pla #5 of Spain during the hockey game on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Hockey Centre on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Marina de la Caridad Rodriguez Mitjan of Cuba competes during the Women's 63kg Group B Weightlifting contest on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Riocentro - Pavilion 2 on Aug/ 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Ingrid Klimke of Germany riding Hale-Bob Old during the eventing team jumping final and individual qualifier on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Equestrian Centre on Aug. 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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USA's Casey Eichfeld competes in the Men's C1 semifinal canoe slalom competition at the Whitewater stadium during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 9, 2016.
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Australia's centre Elizabeth Cambage (left) jumps for a basket by France's centre Sandrine Gruda during a Women's round Group A basketball match between Australia and France at the Youth Arena in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 9, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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Refugee Olympic Team's Rami Anis competes in the Men's 100m Freestyle heat during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 9, 2016.
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USA's Perry Baker (left) chases Argentina's Bautista Ezcurra (right) in the mens rugby sevens match between USA and Argentina during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Deodoro Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 9, 2016.
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USA's Madison Keys returns the ball to Spain's Carla Suarez during their women's third round singles tennis match at the Olympic Tennis Centre of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 9, 2016.
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Vladislav Yakovlev of Kazakhstan capsizes during the Men's Single Sculls Semifinal on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Lagoa Stadium on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Russia's Konstantin Bakun spikes the ball during the men's qualifying volleyball match between Russia and Argentina at the Maracanazinho stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 9, 2016, during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
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Serghei Cechir of Moldova competes during the Men's 69 kg Group B Weightlifting contest on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Riocentro - Pavilion 2 on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Israel's Yarden Gerbi competes with Cuba's Maricet Espinosa during their women's -63kg judo contest match of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 9, 2016.
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Marcio Appel of Brazil riding Iberon Jmen during the eventing team jumping final and individual qualifier on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Equestrian Centre on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Chaim Schalk and Ben Saxton of Canada compete in Men's Beach Volleyball on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Beach Volleyball Arena on Aug. 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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An athlete competes in the 25m Air Pistol event on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Shooting Centre on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Mia Hermansson of Sweden (right) looks dejected during her bout against Edwige Gwend of Italy during the Women's -63kg bout on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Carioca Arena 2 on Aug. 9, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Brazil's Nicolas Ferreira (left) competes against Venezuela's Francisco Limardo during their mens individual epee qualifying bout as part of the fencing event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, on Aug. 9, 2016, at the Carioca Arena 3, in Rio de Janeiro.
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Uruguay's Jhonatan Esquivel rows during the Men's Single Sculls Quarterfinal rowing competition at the Lagoa stadium during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 9, 2016.
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Competitors sail in the Finn Men sailing class on Marina da Gloria in Rio de Janerio in front of the Christ the Redeemer statue, located at the peak of the 700 metre (2,300 ft) Corcovado mountain, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 9, 2016. / AFP / WILLIAM WEST (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)
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A rower carries some oars before today's rowing competition at the Lagoa stadium during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 9, 2016.
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Clouds cover the Christ the Redeemer statue, located at the peak of the 700 metre (2,300 ft) Corcovado mountain, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 9, 2016.
The U.S. women went 12 for 12 — no falls, no major miscues in any rotation.
"I knew going into floor that if i had a good routine that we would stay at the top. It's just very exciting knowing that," Biles said.
That said, it wasn’t quite the cakewalk the final margin of 8.2 points made it seem. Biles, who is in the running for five medals at these Olympics, had a 14.8 on bars, the only time she wasn't the high scorer. Her beam, though a respectable 15.3, featured one good-sized wobble and a few other unsteady moments.
The USA was only .70 points ahead of Russia after starting on vault, but they were up by more than four after bars and nearly five after the beam. Not that anyone expected to catch them.
Such is the depth of US gymnastics that they easily could have called any of alternates Ashton Locklear, MyKayla Skinner or Regan Smith into the team and still romped. If national team coordinator Martha Karolyi retires as planned, she’ll leave the sport in excellent shape.
"I'm sure if she sees one sign of a crack in the team, she might be back," Biles quipped to Costas.
Until then, there are more medals to chase.
The individual all-around, where Biles will be joined by Raisman is Thursday. Vault (Biles) and bars (Douglas and Kocian) on Sunday, followed by beam on Monday (Biles and Hernandez) and floor (Biles and Raisman) on Tuesday, Aug. 16.
