"That is an American dynasty, baby."
Susan Francia said it best about the United States' women's eight team, which continued its rowing dominance on Thursday, winning the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Not only is it the Americans' second straight gold at the Summer Games, but it also marks their seventh consecutive win at the highest level -- U.S. won the World Rowing Championships in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011 (the competition is not held the same years as the Olympics). And at the 2004 Summer Olympics, they brought home a silver.
The U.S., led by coxswain Mary Whipple, led from start to finish, stretching their advantage over the silver-medal winners from Canada to as much as 2.34 seconds at the 1000-meter mark. They completed the 2,000-meter course in 6:10.59, beating the Canadians by 1.47 seconds and the bronze medal winner, the Netherlands, by 2.53 seconds.
"Coming off the line, I felt so much," Whipple said. "And then when we took our stride, that was beautiful.
"We were a little high and I just told them to breathe and enjoy the moment. Feel each stroke. Be present. And we were present -- the whole time."
"It was magical," Whipple added. Then, as is customary in rowing, her crew celebrated by throwing her into the water.
Magical, indeed.
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