Lima Ohio -
The U.S. holds the second most medals in the summer Olympics, and on top of that, American athletes are breaking records in both swimming and gymnastics.
Gabrielle Douglas is the first U.S. female gymnast to claim the gold in team and individual events. She's also the first African American to win all-around.
Amarie Chriestoff takes gymnastic lessons at the YMCA and she's inspired by Douglas's skill and confidence.
"She's really talented and she believes in herself that she's gonna make it," said Chriestoff.
Olympic athletes inspire people of all ages to challenge themselves. That may mean learning how to do a cartwheel or giving the balance beam a try. Vice President of Membership at the YMCA Terri Averesch says people are motivated to enroll in these classes because of the Olympics.
"Summer Olympics just gets kids and families excited about athletics, specifically swimming and gymnastics. So our gymnastics and swimming classes do get a lot more participation in the fall right after the Olympics," said Averesch.
