US captures Olympic gold in artistic gymnastics

London - The US emphatically captured the artistic gymnastics gold at the London Olympics, on Tuesday, finishing well clear of the Russians, who claimed silver.

The Americans won with a score of 183.596, five points ahead of Russia and seven clear of third-placed Romania.

Beijing champions, China were pushed off the podium into fourth, while hosts, Team GB could only manage sixth.

The US performance evoked memories of 1996, when the home team, nicknamed the Magnificent Seven, clinched the gold in Atlanta.

But it didn’t come easily.

The Russians pulled to within less than half a point after a strong showing on the parallel bars, but dropped away after an unconvincing rotation on the beam.

Jordyn Wieber, who surprisingly missed out on qualification for the individual final, put in a scintillating routine on the floor to secure the gold.

The Romanians put themselves in contention for bronze with a strong performance on the beam.