Rio Olympics: Michael Phelps, USA gymnastics live up to lofty expectations

With the women’s gymnastics team, Katie Ledecky and Michael Phelps all in action with gold medals on the line, Tuesday was a star-studded affair for Team USA. It was also an extremely successful day in Rio for the Americans.

Team USA padded its gold-medal total, extending its lead and sending the country into hysterics over their dramatic performances in the gym and in the water.

Here are some of the main takeaways from a jam-packed Day 4 in Rio:

Michael Phelps wins 20th gold in 200m butterfly

Motivated by chief rival and reigning gold medalist Chad le Clos, Michael Phelps found another gear to claim another gold in one of his best events. Phelps won the 200-meter butterfly, beating Japanese swimmer Masato Sakai by a mere four one-hundredths of a second, to claim the 20th gold medal of his incredible career.

Meanwhile, the South African le Clos failed to even reach the podium as Hungarian Tamas Kenderesi took the bronze, much to the delight of the internet. Le Clos and Phelps had been trash talking each other a little bit in the media over the last few years and Monday night le Clos caught Phelps’ and the world’s attention with his rather aggressive warmup routine. It was the most decorated Olympian of all time getting the last word, though. Phelps even gave a little finger wag to remind the South African who the king of the pool was — and still is.

Michael Phelps won his 20th and 21st gold medals on Tuesday. USATSI

Phelps anchors 4×200 for another gold an hour later

Michael Phelps had just over an hour to prepare to swim the anchor leg of the men’s 4×200-meter freestyle after winning the 200-meter butterfly. Joined by Conor Dwyer, newcomer Townley Hass and fellow swimming star Ryan Lochte, the most decorated Olympian of all time added another gold to his bursting medal case.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Olympic legend, though. In the middle of the race, shortly before he was due to swim, Phelps ripped his swim cap while putting it on. In a slight panic, he donned Dwyer’s cap before bringing home the 21st gold medal of his career. The Americans already had a pretty good lead when Lochte touched the wall to send Phelps into the water for the final push. A lot of credit for that win should go to the 19-year-old Haas, as well. He swam a lightning-quick second leg to put the U.S. in front for good.

Simone Biles leads U.S. women to team gold

After such a dominant performance in qualifying, no one expected anything less than gold for the United States. Even with those weighty expectations, the American women dominated in all four rotations, with Simone Biles posting the team’s best scores in vault, balance beam and floor exercise. Team USA beat silver medalist Russia by eight points to become the first country to win back-to-back golds in the team all-around since Romania in 2000 and 2004.

It really wasn’t even close. Each of the American women had a signature moment, with Madison Kocian and Gabby Douglas excelling on the uneven bars, their only event in the team all-around. Meanwhile, Laurie Hernandez put together near flawless routines on the balance beam and floor exercise, while veteran Aly Raisman shone brightly in all three of her events — vault, balance beam and a truly stunning performance on floor exercise. The quintet has officially nicknamed themselves “The Final Five” as a nod to legendary coach Martha Karolyi, who is retiring after Rio.

Katie Ledecky adds another gold medal in thrilling 200m freestyle

It was another big night for 19-year-old Katie Ledecky, who already had a gold medal and silver medal in the 2016 Olympics. Swimming in the event believed to leave her most vulnerable for a loss — the 200-meter freestyle — Ledecky found another gear for a thrilling finish and more gold. The American beat out Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom, with a time of 1:53.73. The long-distance ace proved she can sprint a little bit, too. Up next for Ledecky is the event in which she is the reigning gold medalist, the 800-meter freestlye.

USWNT wins group despite draw against Colombia

The U.S. women’s national soccer team looked to have wrapped up Group G with a win over Colombia, but a late goal off of a free kick from Catalina Usme prevented the Americans from claiming the full three points. Usme’s shot sailed over the outstretched fist of U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo in the 90th minute to steal the 2-2 draw. Team USA still earned first place in the group and advanced to the quarterfinals where it will meet Sweden Friday. A win there could set a semifinal date with host Brazil, who will play Australia in the quarterfinals.

Serena Williams sent packing in third round

The Rio Olympics have been a struggle for Serena Williams. Despite that, she managed to reach the third round of the women’s singles tennis tournament. That was as far as she would get, though. The tournament’s No. 1 seed fell in straight sets to Elina Svitolina of Ukraine to end her bid at a second consecutive gold medal. This comes on the heels of Williams getting bounced from the women’s doubles tournament with sister Venus in the first round. That was their first loss ever in Olympic doubles competition.