On this day in history, July 23rd, 1996, the United States’ women’s gymnastic team took Olympic gold in Atlanta, Georgia. They were nicknamed “The Magnificent Seven,” and were considered America’s first real shot at Olympic team gold for women’s gymnastics. The team consisted of 7 teenagers: Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Jaycie Phelps and Kerri Strug. During the final event, Strug fell during her vault landing seriously spraining her ankle. Bravely, she attempted a second performance, executing a perfect one-and-a-half twist Yurchenko and a solid landing. After collapsing in pain, her score of 9.712 was announced and her coach carried her to the medal stand.
