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US Gymnasts Grab Gold, Silver in All-Around

Liukin takes gold, Johnson silver to China's bronze

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 15, 2008 6:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – Americans Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson captured the gold and silver medals in the women’s gymnastics all-around competitions, marking the first time US gymnasts have taken the top two spots, USA Today reports. Liukin’s standout balance-beam routine and focus on artistic elements helped lead her to victory with a score of 63.325. The bronze went to Yang Yilin of China.

“It's not possible to describe how proud I am,” said Valeri Liukin, Nastia’s father and coach and a former Soviet Olympic medalist. Johnson, the leading US gymnast in recent years, didn’t match her scores from previous meets, with just a 15.275 on the uneven bars and a little balance trouble on the beam. Still, she walked off smiling after a 15.525 floor exercise.

Shawn Johnson, right, and Nastia Liukin embrace after the pair won silver and gold medals in the womens' gymnastics individual all-around finals Friday. Coach Valeri Liukin looks on at left.
Shawn Johnson, right, and Nastia Liukin embrace after the pair won silver and gold medals in the womens' gymnastics individual all-around finals Friday. Coach Valeri Liukin looks on at left.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
US gymnasts Nastia Liukin, left, and Shawn Johnson pose after the women's individual all-around competition in Beijing Friday.
US gymnasts Nastia Liukin, left, and Shawn Johnson pose after the women's individual all-around competition in Beijing Friday.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Yang Yilin, left, gold medalist Nastia Liukin and silver medalist Shawn Johnson stand with their medals after the womens' individual all-around competition Friday,
Yang Yilin, left, gold medalist Nastia Liukin and silver medalist Shawn Johnson stand with their medals after the womens' individual all-around competition Friday,   (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
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