'Redeem Team' caps Games for United States

Men’s marathon

In the day’s first event, Samuel Wanjiru added to Kenya’s proud distance-running legacy.

Wanjiru became the first person from his country to win the gold medal in marathon, and doing so in an Olympic record time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, 32 seconds.

“In Kenya we have many medals, but I’m glad I have this one,” said Wanjiru, whose country earned five gold medals and 14 total in track and field, behind only the United States (23) and Russia (18).

Rhythmic gymnastics

Russia won the team competition the morning after Russian Evgeniya Kanaeva won the individual event.

China got silver for its first medal in the rhythmic team competition.

“The silver medal is unexpected,” China’s Zhang Shuo said. “It’s the most glorious day for rhythmic gymnastics in China.”

Men’s handball

The 302nd and last gold medal went to France, which beat Iceland 28-23 to deny the small country its first gold in an Olympic event.

Iceland’s silver is still its best showing in any event since 1956. Iceland has won four medals at Olympics over the years, two silver and two bronze.

Spain beat Croatia 35-29 to take the bronze.

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