RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The Olympics began in full with the first gold medal going to an American teenager by the fearsome name of Thrasher. And there was fear and plenty of rough riding on a punishing cycling course that showed the beauty and blight of the host city.
Virginia Thrasher, a 19-year-old who once had her heart set on figure skating, captured the 10-meter air rifle Saturday. Greg Van Avermaet of Belgium won the grueling road race that left cyclists tending to scrapes, bruises and road rash.
Riders rolled off to the sound of crashing waves on Copacabana Beach on a steamy morning hours after Brazil's high-energy opening party featuring thumping funk, sultry samba and supermodel Gisele Bundchen sauntering to the tune of "The Girl from Ipanema.