ThursdaySTARYang Wei made a great leap forward for Chinese gymnastics, winning the gold medal in the men's all-around. Counting the team competition, it was his second gold medal of the games and the third in gymnastics for China. The country last won a men's all-around gold in 1996.

MEDALSChina had twice as many gold medals — 20 — as the United States. Through 77 events, both countries had 32 medals overall.

HOOGIE BOOGIESPieter van den Hoogenband of the Netherlands announced his retirement after Alain Bernard of France took away his chance at an unprecedented third straight victory in the 100-meter freestyle. "Hoogie" also won the 200 free in Sydney, and he retires with three Olympic golds, two silvers and two bronzes.

GREAT SQUALL OF CHINARain played havoc with the Olympic schedule. The U.S.-Canada softball game was suspended in the fourth inning with the Canadians leading 1-0, and will resume Friday. Same with the lightweight men's and women's double sculls, lightweight men's four and men's quadruple sculls. Tennis was delayed, as was canoe-kayak slalom and the U.S.-Netherlands baseball game.

CHINESE TAKEOUTKosuke Kitajima of Japan became the first man to sweep both breaststroke events at consecutive Olympics with a resounding victory in the 200 meters. He took the 100 meters on Monday. ... Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, who won the beach volleyball gold medal in Athens, beat Norwegians Nila Ann Hakedal and Ingrid Torlen and retain their No. 2 seed in the medal round.

QUOTE"I'm glad he's not a breaststroke specialist." — Japan's Kosuke Kitajima, who won his second breaststroke gold medal, on Michael Phelps.