Being Latino’s OIympic recap: Days 5-9

Boxing: USA’s ‘Golden Boy’ goes down

One of the best stories of Team USA, Jose Ramirez, wasn’t able to be “Golden” in these Olympics. Ramirez started slowly against Uzbekistan’s Fazliddin Gaibnazarov and never really recovered, losing 15-11. Not to worry, however, Ramirez is already worth an estimated $1 million in endorsements, and the soon-to-be 20-year-old has a promising pro career. By the way, if you’re wondering about Marlen Esparza, by the time you read this she would have already wrapped up her first fight (she fights, August 6 at 8:45am EST).

Men’s Gymnastics: Latinos power Team USA

USA Today Sports

After a disappointing fifth-place finish in the team finals, Bronx-born Boricua John Orozco and Cuban émigré Danell Leyva would be the two gymnasts to represent the United States in the all-around finals. Both Orozco and Leyva were far from their best on that night, struggling on the pommel horse again. Leyva was able to bounce back from his rough start; his teammate Orozco was not. Orozco finished eighth, and Leyva did enough to win the bronze. It was only the fourth medal by an American male in the all-around competition.

Men’s Fencing: Limardo is best in the world, but not too cool for the subway

While it’s hard to keep track of all the medal winners, perhaps Venezuela’s Rubén Limardo will be a little better remembered. After winning the gold medal in the men’s fencing épée, Limardo took the London subway system back to the Olympic Village, giving stunned riders a chance to take pictures with him and touch his gold medal. In Venezuela, he’ll surely be remembered for many years to come: he’s bringing home Venezuela’s first gold since 1968.

Men’s Soccer: Mexico through to the semis, Honduras’ heroic effort

In arguably the best soccer game of the Olympics, El Tri beat Senegal 4-2 in extra time to punch their ticket to the semifinals. After going up 2-0, Senegal scored in the 69^th and 76^th minute, respectively, to take it level at 2-2.  Two huge defensive blundersby Senegal led to two more Mexican goals. Mexico will meet Japan in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Chris Clark, Associated Press

After shocking the Spanish, Honduras nearly pulled off another upset against tournament favorites Brazil. Los Catrachos went up 1-0, but a controversial red card sent Wilmer Cristiano to the showers and left La H with only 10 men. Ten vs. eleven — game over, right? Well, no one seemed to tell Honduras. After Brazil equalized, Honduras scored again to make it 2-1 early in the second half. But being one man down eventually took its toll, and Brazil scored two more in the second half to take the victory. Honduras left the field to a standing ovation from the crowd, but its Brazil that will meet South Korea in the other semifinal.

That’s all for now folks, check back on Thursday for the next update!