Argentina Falls to Lithuania in Men’s Basketball

Today’s action showcased numerous activities and events. However, the men’s basketball competition caught the eyes of many spectators as host nation China and the United States faced off. In an amazing debut, the United States basketball team demonstrated utter dominance not seen since the previous decade, defeating China 101-70. However, defending Olympic champion Argentina wasn’t as fortunate in their outcome, falling short to a fierce Lithuanian team 75-79. Russia, Spain, Croatia, and Germany also claimed victories in today’s preliminary round.

While men’s basketball garnered the majority of attention early on, the men’s 400-meter freestyle relay swimming competition provided onlookers with an epic finish. Nearly a body length behind going into the final turn, Jason Lezak pulled off a stunning victory for the U.S. men’s swimming team. Only a fingertip separated Lezak from his French competitor, Alain Bernard. With a time of 3 minutes and 8 seconds, the Americans broke the previous world record by an astonishing 4 seconds. The victory also gave Michael Phelps his second gold medal of the Beijing Games.

Katie Hoff wasn’t as successful as her male counterparts, receiving the silver medal in the women’s 400-meter freestyle. Rebecca Adlington of Britain won the gold medal with a time of 4 minutes and 3 seconds. In the 100-meter breaststroke, Kosuke Kitajima of Japan defended his title, exceeding the previous world record by 0.22 seconds.

Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s volleyball team clinched a 5 set victory over Venezuela 3-2. This was an emotional victory for the team following a day senseless tradgedy. Coach Hugh McCutcheon and his wife would spend the day at a local hospital, awaiting news on the condition of Mrs. McCutcheon’s mother, Elizabeth Bachman. Mrs. Bachman survived an attack by a local resident that unfortunately claimed the life of her husband, Todd Bachman. The team’s next opponent will be a tough Cuba team.