BREAKING: U.S. swimmers win historic 1,000th Olympic gold medal for Team USA

RIO DE JANEIRO – The U.S. women’s 400-meter medley relay team of Kathleen Baker, Lilly King, Simone Manuel and Dana Vollmer today made history by securing the 1,000^th gold medal for Team USA at the Olympic Games in summer competition. The milestone highlights Team USA’s sustained competitive excellence, dating back to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

On the final night of pool swimming in Rio, the U.S. won the race in a time of 3:53.13, ahead of Australia (3:55.00) and Denmark (3:55.01).

The first U.S. gold medal was won by triple jumper James Connolly on April 6, 1896.

“One thousand gold medals is a remarkable achievement made possible by the culture of sport that is the fabric and foundation of Team USA,” said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. “It is a testament first and foremost to our athletes, but it also reveals the impact of the support provided by our National Governing Bodies, our sponsors and donors, and American fans. This is an accomplishment we celebrate together.”

Several USOC sponsors will generously donate gifts to the swimmers in recognition of the milestone. The gifts will have a theme of 1,000 to highlight the longevity of Team USA's success.

Team USA entered the Rio Olympics with 977 gold medals in summer competition, and the relay team’s podium-topping performance marked the 23rd of the Games for the Americans.

Of the 1,000 gold medals, more than half (569) have come from track and field (323), and swimming (246). The 23 U.S. gold medals thus far in Rio were won in swimming (15), gymnastics (2), track and field (2), cycling (1), judo (1), rowing (1), and shooting (1).

The former Soviet Union is second on the all-time list with 395 gold medals, while Great Britain is second among active countries with 245.

A comprehensive Team USA History Book can be found here. 
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