London Olympics: It’s a golden age for American women

USA gymnasts, from left, Jordyn Wieber, Gabrielle Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Alexandra Raisman and Kyla Ross celebrate their gold medal in the women’s team final.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 10, 2012 1:15 PM PT

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Women have won 56% of U.S. medals, 66% of its golds. With female participation at a record level, these Olympics are being hailed as a gender-equity milestone.

Gabrielle Douglas waves to the crowd after winning the gold medal in the women’s individual all-around gymnastics. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

With a series of stumbles in the team final, U.S. gymnast John Orozco and his teammates on the men’s squad finished far below expectations. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

The U.S. women’s soccer team watches flags raised over Wembley Stadium after they beat Japan in the gold medal match. The men’s soccer team failed to qualify for the Olympics. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Members of the USA women’s water polo team celebrate after beating Spain in their gold medal match. (Carl Court / AFP/Getty Images)

United States men’s water polo players look glum after losing to Spain in a semifinal match. (Julio Cortez / Associated Press)

Foluke Akinradewo of the United States scores a point against Korea during a semifinal match. Team USA beat the Koreans and advanced to the gold medal match. The U.S. team lost to Brazil in the finals. (Elsa / Getty Images)

Donald Suxho of the U.S. sits alone after losing a quarterfinal match to Italy. The U.S. team was knocked out of the men’s indoor volleyball tournament. (Kirill Kudryavtsev / AFP/Getty Images)

Boxer Claressa Shields smiles during the medal ceremony after winning gold in the women’s middleweight 75kg final in the 2012 Summer Olympics. No U.S. male boxer advanced past the quarterfinals.

(Ivan Sekretarev / Associated Press)

United States’ Joseph Diaz Jr. claps for his opponent after losing a decision to Cuba’s Lazaro Alvarez Estrada. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Misty May-Treanor, left, and Kerri Walsh Jennings celebrate seconds after winning their third straight gold medal in beach volleyball. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser made an early exit from the men’s beach volleyball tournament after a loss to Italy. (Ryan Pierse / Getty Images)

Bianca Kinght, Allyson Felix, Tainna Madison and Carmelita Jeter celebrate winning the 4x100 relay in world record time. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)