London: U.S. middleweight Claressa Shields won the Olympic gold medal on Thursday, capping her swift rise to the top of women's boxing with a 19-12 victory over Russia's Nadezda Torlopova.
The 17-year-old Shields shuffled, danced and slugged her way past her 33-year-old opponent, showing off the free-spirited style and brute strength that made her unbeatable in London.
Shields even stuck her tongue out at Torlopova after ducking a few punches.
Shields won the 12-member American team's only gold medal in London. The most successful nation in Olympic boxing history got no medals from its men's team for the first time, and flyweight Marlen Esparza won a bronze.
Shields has been on the international boxing scene for less than two years, but is among its fastest-rising stars. She lost early in the world championships, yet still qualified for the Olympics.
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