The Olympic swimmers did not perform well in the 100-meter medley final race at the Rio Olympics. But they came from behind in the men’s 4×100 meter freestyle relay, where the U.S. team finished first.
The story of how the U.S. Olympic swimming team won gold in Rio 2016. In a time when social media was in its infancy, and most people didn’t even know how to tweet, the U.S. Olympic team made history and changed the face of the Games forever.
At the beginning of the 2016 Summer Olympics, Team USA had no chance of winning the gold medal in Rio.
At that time, the United States had never won a swimming gold medal since 1952. And only once before, in 1904, had the Americans ever won more than two gold medals in a single Olympics.
So how did they do it? By turning their biggest weakness into their greatest strength.
It was August 2nd, 1936, and on a beautiful, sunny day in Los Angeles, the United States of America was hosting the Olympic Games. It was their first time doing so. As the USA team stood on the podium, they were greeted by a roaring crowd. Then, as the music played, the announcer read the list of gold medals that American athletes had won. The most popular reaction to this announcement was something we see yearly at the games, which is what we will talk about today.
Olympic Swimming Team USA
In 2016, Team USA had no chance of winning the gold medal in Rio. But they did it anyway.
What was the secret behind their success?
As it turns out, the U.S. Olympic swimmers didn’t rely on luck. They relied on the right combination of science and art to make their dreams a reality.
From their humble beginnings in Atlanta to their final performances in Rio, let’s look at how the U.S. Olympic swimmers turned their dreams into gold.
History of Team USA
A lot has happened in the world of sports since 1904. Television, globalization, and the Olympics have helped shape our view of sports.
In the early 20th century, America was coming off the Great Depression. The country needed to find something to do, and the Olympics were an instant hit.
The first modern Olympics started in 1896 in Athens, Greece, and Team USA took home gold. The next Olympics would be held in Paris, France, in 1900.
After that, it was another 20 years before the United States hosted the next Olympics. In the meantime, American athletes continued to dominate the swimming pool and would continue to do so for decades.
But the country would finally get back on track in the year 1948.
USA Olympic Swimming
A lot has happened since then.
The U.S. team has gone from having zero chance of a gold medal to being favorites.
And in Rio 2016, they finally delivered.
The story of how they won gold is amazing, but you might not know if you weren’t following the team.
I’ve spent years watching the team train. I’ve seen them win in competitions, lose in matches, and experience the highs and lows of the sport.
So I know what it takes to win a gold medal.
And I know what it takes to fail.
I’ve learned how to build a team, how to manage a team, and how to turn a team around.
USA Swimming History
USA Swimming has been the leading competitive swimming organization in the United States for almost 100 years.
The first modern swimming meet was held in 1901, and the first official National Championship was born in 1904. The first national championships were held in the spring of 1905.
In 1920, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was formed to bring together various swimming organizations in the United States, and in 1931, the AAU began organizing national championships for all age groups.
In 1948, the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) was formed to oversee the sport.
In 1953, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) was created to coordinate all sports within the United States Olympic movement.
The first USOC-sanctioned meet was held in 1955.
In 1965, the USOC began sponsoring the United States Olympic Trials (USAT), and in 1968, the USOC started sponsoring the United States Swimming Championships (USC).
In 1984, the USOC began sponsoring the Olympic Trials (O.T.) for individual events.
In 1993, the USOC began sponsoring the World Aquatics Championships (WAC) for swimming.
In 1996, the USOC began sponsoring the United States Open (USO) for all strokes.
In 2004, the USOC began sponsoring the International Swim Meet (ISM) for swimming.
In 2008, the United States Swimming Foundation (USSF) was formed to manage the United States Open and the Olympic Trials.
In 2016, the United States Olympic Committee was formed to manage the Olympic Games and the United States Olympic Team (USAT).
USA Swimming History
The team is best known for its performance in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The United States team won six gold medals, five silver, and two bronze medals.
The USOC said in a statement, “Team USA’s swimming success is a testament to the dedication and passion of the athletes,
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Q: What is your favorite sport?
A: Basketball
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A: I like how fast the game goes; it is exciting!
Q: Are there any other sports you like to play?
A: Football
Q: Why football?
A: I like the speed and action of the game.
Q: Why LeBron James?
A: He has such great talent. I wish I could be him one day!
Q: What are your hobbies?
Top myths about Sports
1. All exercise is bad for you.
2. You will lose muscle mass if you take steroids.
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4. You have to train very hard.
Conclusion
We’re excited to share how the U.S. Olympic Swimming team won gold.
In the summer of 2012, our coach John Leonard and his staff spent nearly 18 months developing a plan for the Olympic Trials and the Olympics.
He called upon his coaching experience, extensive knowledge of swimming, and network of contacts to develop a plan to set the team up for success.
Our team was very proud to be able to represent our country at the Rio Games.
However, it was not an easy journey.
The swimming community is tough.
Sometimes we doubt ourselves and wonder whether we are up to the challenge.
