ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Wednesday's highlights at the Olympics:
-- In a day of big wins and big losses, the United States claimed 11 medals in 21 events, although one was in dispute at the equestrian venue. The Americans inched within one gold medal of China and vaulted eight ahead of the Chinese in the overall medal race.
-- Paul Hamm became the first American male to win the all-around gymnastics event. He did so despite a bad performance on the vault that seemingly cost him a chance for a medal.
-- Four American swimmers broke the oldest record still standing in that sport. They won the 800-meter freestyle, wiping out a 17-year mark.
-- Andy Roddick and Venus Williams both lost in the third round of the tennis tournament.
-- Tyler Hamilton won the cycling time trial, a first for an American.
-- USA women lost in volleyball and water polo, but won in softball and basketball. The softball team has won all five of its games by a shutout.
-- Azerbaijan, Belarus, Denmark and Croatia won their first medals of the Games. Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Georgia all won their first golds of the Olympics.
