Tokyo 2020 LIVE: Team USA sets Olympic record in shooting but falls short elsewhere
Team USA has had a mixed start to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as the team gets stuck into day three, with a new record set by Amber English in skeet shooting but the men's basketball team suffering its first Olympic defeat in 17 years. However, the team is still competing for the top place in the medals table, with hosts Japan and China as its main competitors.
The women's basketball team is set to take on China on Monday morning (ET). The swimming rivalry between Team USA and Team Australia intensified after Ariarne Titmus defeated reigning American champion Katie Ledecky in the 400-meter freestyle final, with a video of Titmus' coach celebrating going viral online. Simone Biles, meanwhile, only just qualified for the uneven bars final - an unexpected result for the four-time Olympic gold winner.
Meanwhile, Golfers Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm were the latest to drop out of the Games after testing positive for COVID-19. It takes the total number of people affected by the virus at the Olympics, including athletes and staff, to around 100. Tokyo itself continues to suffer a resurgence in COVID cases, averaging just short of 2,000 each day in the past week.
Follow Newsweek's live blog for all the latest news on Team USA and Tokyo 2020.
Dutch tennis player drops out after testing positive for COVID-19
Jean-Julien Rojer's campaign alongside doubles partner Wesley Koolhofhas will come to an end due to the virus, according to a statement from the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Rojer and his partner Wesley Koolhof have been withdrawn from the men's doubles event, and their opponents Marcus Daniell and Michael Venus of New Zealand receive a walkover into the quarterfinals. We wish Jean-Julien a speedy recovery.
Team USA basketball team thanks fans ahead of match against Italy
Madison Hughes told fans their support "drives us on the field" and said the team wants to "make you proud and do our best for you" at Tokyo 2020.
For the early risers - USA v Italy starts at 5.30am (ET).
.@USARugby is a big fan of the #TeamUSA fandom.
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 26, 2021
🔜 🇺🇸 vs. 🇮🇪 | 5:30am ET on @CNBC pic.twitter.com/C0PvydlUAO
U.S. athletes continue to set records in shooting
Team USA has won its second gold medal in the skeet - and its second Olympic record - with American Vincent Hancock winning his third Olympic title after waiting nine years.The 32-year-old shot 59 out of a possible 60 targets, defeating Denmark's Jesper Hansen who hit 55.
The Olympian will be celebrating his comeback after falling to 15th place in Rio 2016. It comes after Amber English set a new Olympic record after winning gold at the women's skeet final on Sunday night (ET).
26 July - #Shooting - Men's Skeet
— #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) July 26, 2021
🥇Vincent Hancock🇺🇸
🥈Jesper Hansen🇩🇰
🥉Abdullah Alrashidi🇰🇼#UnitedByEmotion | #StrongerTogether | #Olympics
Can Team USA win the battle for gold medals?
Team USA has is currently in the top spot on the medal table with seven golds, with China and Japan following closely behind with six golds each. Can the U.S. keep the top spot? The data shows it is more than possible.
The United States has won the most medals—and most gold medals—at each of the past two Olympics (London 2012 and Rio 2016) and is the only country to amass at least 1,000 gold medals in the history of the modern Games.
China had the second-most medals in 2016 - a whopping 50 medals behind the U.S. - but only 20 fewer gold medals. In London, Team USA had an eight-medal advantage in golds over China and just 13 more overall medals.
The last time the Americans did not win the gold medal battle was 2008, when China led the way with 48 golds to 36 by the Americans. In other words: the chance of a Team USA win in gold medals - and possible overall - this year is very, very likely.
READ MORE: Can the US Beat China in Medals Race at Olympics? China Takes Early Lead
Good morning and welcome to the Newsweek live blog
Day three of Tokyo 2020 is well underway after a set of record-setting triumphs and shocking defeats for Team USA, which currently sits top on the medal table with seven golds, three silvers, and four bronzes.
Follow Newsweek throughout Monday for all the latest medals and Tokyo 2020 news.
