U.S. gymnasts Liukin, Johnson 1-2 in all-around

BEIJING -- The United States had not merely one Mary Lou Friday in the women's gymnastics all-around final but two.

Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas and Shawn Johnson of West Des Moines, Ia., finished 1-2, both after vifturally flawless floor exercises enabled them to hold off China's Yang Yilin. She won the bronze medal.

Liukin and Johnson were dominant. They tied for the highest scores in the floor exercise. Liukin had the highest balance beam; Johnson had the highest on the vault.

It was only the third time a U.S. gymnast has won the women's all-around. Liukin joins Mary Lou Retton from 1984 and Carly Patterson from 2004. It was the first time the United States has had two women on the podium in the event.

-- Randy Harvey

Comments

[Miss Amnesia]

Why does NBC have a "Live" banner at the top of the screen during this evening's events when Canadian TV already showed them? Are they trying to fool us or are they just incompetent?

[Donna]

How come the 2 American gymnast didn't wear the same colored leotard in the finals last night?

[Julie A.]

I couldn't be happier for Nastia Liukin or Shawn Johnson! It is awesome that they finished 1-2 in the all around competition! I am also proud of how the team battled to earn a team medal as well. I certainly wish both of thse girls the best in their futures!

[John]

Great Americans.