Destiny is a funny thing. While one athlete may be destined to win in the Olympics through years of prior success, others reach their goal under the radar only to surprise when the lights are on them.
Day 6 of the Olympics had winners that reaffirmed their successful pedigree and others that have reached the top for the first time. Here are your moments from today’s action.
Simone Biles’ coronation as the G.O.A.T.:
(Getty) It’s one thing to be expected to win, it’s another to actually do it. *Simone Biles seemed certain to win the Olympic gold medal in the individual all-around event after she won three straight world championships. But with the pressure of the Olympics on her shoulders, would she be able to rise and achieve the gold she was destined to win?
Of course she did.
Not only did she win, but she won in dominant fashion. Today was the culmination of four years of training for Biles. Four years of missed proms and homecomings.
Worth it.
*
Kayla Harrison finishes on top … again:
(Getty) Quick. Name the only two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo.
It is Kayla Harrison.
After winning the gold in London, Harrison returned to the Olympics in Rio, where she ran through the competition. *All four of her bouts ended by ippon, which is basically a knockout in judo. She ended her gold medal campaign against Audrey Tcheumeo of France with an armlock with six seconds left in the match.
This might be the last you’ll see Harrison at the Olympics after she announced her retirement from Olympic judo. *However, Harrison will continue to work for her sexual abuse awareness foundation, the Fearless Foundation, while she contemplates her next step.
*
Fiji wins its first gold medal:
(Getty) Over 880,000 people. 300 islands. One medal.
And it’s gold.
Fiji is coming off a top-four finish at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2013, but was able to win its first medal in rugby sevens. *The Fijians defeated Great Britain in a hard-hitting game at Deodoro Stadium.
Before Rio, the nation had never medaled in the Olympics. That was until rugby was included in the Olympic program.
After 14 Summer Olympic appearances, Fiji finally hits pay dirt.
*
Michael Phelps continues his comeback tour:

(Getty) So this is what happens when Michael Phelps tries?
Phelps has experienced a resurgence in his motivation and performance at the ripe age of 31 years young. Phelps has secured four gold medals so far in Rio, including the 200-meter individual medley, where he separated easily from the field Thursday night. Usually, one race and one gold medal would be a good night for a normal swimmer.
Phelps is no normal swimmer.
He pulled double duty and swam a sprint in the 100-meter butterfly after gassing himself in a 200-meter race. He didn’t win his semifinal race, but you can take it to the bank that he will be ready for Friday night’s final.
*
Simone Manuel makes history:
(Getty) Simone Manuel has the unfortunate honor of sharing a name with one of the most popular female athletes of these Olympics, but she made even more history.
Not only was Manuel the first 100-meter winner from the U.S. since 1984, she became the first African-American woman to win a swimming gold medal. The moment was not lost on Manuel as she broke down after the race.
It’s always great to break barriers.