straight sets over their fellow americans april ross and jen kessy. the dynamic duo could not contain their excitement. kerri lifted into the stands by her brother and misty broke into the victory dance. we'll talk to misty and kerri about their dance moves and final match straight ahead and silver medalist april and jen will be with us as well. also all about team usa at the olympic stadium as well. seven medals, three of those gold, highlighted by allyson felix's win in the 200 meters. she was simply overjoyed, i would imagine she's still on cloud nine this morning and we'll catch up with allyson live as well. >> these games have been full of memorable moments. this morning we're going to show you some stunning images captured by a man who calls the olympics the premier event for any photographer. ann curry is here in london with us with the very special profile. >> and a little later on, a woman who's drawing inspiration from the athletes here in london. lauren skrugs.

>> we've covered her story a lot of months now. she was badly injured when she walked into an airplane propeller last december. we've seen few images of her since that accident. today she will be here for her first interview since that fateful night into she said she's having a good time in london. let's start with the day's olympic headlines. natalie has those. good morning to you. >> good morning, matt, and savannah, good morning once again. one of team usa's biggest days of these games. 11 medals in all, including gold and silver in that exciting a - all-american women's beach volleyball final. >> it is over here in london. misty and kerri, threepeat olympic gold. >> reporter: they are still the queens of beach volleyball. wednesday night misty may-treanor and kerri walsh jennings won their third straight olympic gold medal. >> it's celebration time once again for the golden girls. >> reporter: the pair beat fellow americans jen kessy and

april ross for gold. may-treanor and walsh jennings have never lost a match in the olympics. london the final farewell for may-treanor. >> i feel like we deserved. that's what this woman deserved to go out on top, she's the best player they've ever been. >> we're friends for life. i wanted to finish this journey with kerri. >> i believe in what she does and she believes in me and we knew this was possible. >> that is perfect placement. >> reporter: misty may-treanor's husband watched the match on-line from los angeles where he plays baseball for the l.a. dodgers. >> that's why i have so much respect for misty, kerri stays focused, once they get their mind set on something, they're going to go out and do it. >> silver medalists representing the united states of america. >> reporter: for kessy and ross their olympic debut. >> can't believe we came out with a silver medal in the olympics, i keep saying that, i can't believe it. >> it's allyson felix. >> reporter: gold rush in track and field for the u.s. team in the 200 meter allyson felix

fired down the stretch to get gold after taking silver in a athens and beijing. a victory for brittney reese, the first u.s. gold in the event since jackie joyner-kersee in 1988. janai deloesh took the bronze. a close finish in the 400 meters hurdle. lashinda demus silver behind russia. >> over the last hurdle, merit wins it. >> reporter: for the men a one-two finish in the 110 meter hurdles. areese merit flew to gold with richardson getting silver and the fastest man in the world is getting ready to run the 200 meter. >> bolt eases up across the finish line. >> reporter: wednesday usain bolt easily qualified for tonight's 200 meter final. if he wins he'd become the first man to defend olympic titles in both the 100 and 200 meter.

and a moment in history, 19-year-old sarah ar gabecame the first woman to represent saudi arabia in track and field. she finished last in an 800 meter qualifying heat but got a big round of applause from the crowd. and today's main events the u.s. women's soccer team takes on japan in the gold medal game and the u.s. women's water polo team goes for gold against spain. wednesday's haul put the u.s. back on top of the medal count with 81 total medals, 34 gold, china has 77 overall, russia is a distant third with 52. >> thank you very much. as you mentioned it was a storybook ending to the olympic careers of misty may-treanor and kerri walsh jennings winning gold for the third straight time, pushing their career olympic record to a perfect 21-0. in fact, they only lost one set in all of their olympic competitions. misty and kerri, good morning.

congratulations. >> oh, my goodness. >> thank you. >> always a treat. >> it's a treat for us too for you to be here live. you said look, '04 and '08 were great, you thought london would be the best yet. does it figure out that way? >> without a doubt. >> from start to finish, london, they've been such gracious hosts here but misty and i have had a fantastic tournament. toughest tournament in the world and withstood every challenge to come out on top and hanging with you today, dream come true. >> and for us as i said. did it change your outlook because you were facing the other american team or were they just other two competitors across the net standing in your way to the gold some. >> both. we've been in a similar situation in athens and had to meet holley and elaine earlier in the tournament and it's never easy playing your own countrymen. but a way to represent u.s. beach volleyball is to have a gold medal match, you know, they helped elevate our game because they are such wonderful players

and i couldn't be more proud to face jen and april. >> we were there last night. it was fantastic. it seemed to me, kerri, a turning point in the second set, i think it was 16-14, there was a shot it seemed from ross and kessy looked like a sure winner and this one was sprawled out and up came the ball and set you up for a point. >> that's what she does best. >> is this it? >> yeah. >> i think so. >> those are back breakers and you want to build momentum and crush the spirit of your competitors and it's little plays like that may not be the prettiest play ever but reaches that objective. >> the medal ceremony was poignant for a couple reasons. three golds in a row, but also we're watching as we know it's going to be the last time you two stand there together. what was going through your mind? >> it was a bit overwhelming. you know, i'm personally ready for my next journey. but i have -- i will never leave her side. it was emotional but i think you know, we learned so much about

everything outside of volleyball. that's what this olympic signified was the journey off the court together and it's something we're never going to forget and we're going to be in each other's lives forever. >> tell me something about her we don't know? since you know her better than anyone. >> i hate questions like this. i mean, i don't even know how to start. >> the -- >> oh, we have a very pre game prep. >> my break dance. >> she does the egg beater. clear all the sharp edges out. gets on the floor and does break dancing. >> probably should wear a helmet. >> you don't have to worry anymore. it's okay. >> the world knows that she is one of the most genuine amazing women in the entire world. one in a billion. >> wonderful relationship. >> a clip of your husband mat playing for the dodgers watching the game on his laptop and said this to us after your victory.

>> there's a huge amount of respect for my wife and what she does and for them to go back and do this, you know, you can't say enough about the two of them. they've adapted their game became better as far as their communication and stuff like that and the old ladies went out and did it. >> hey! >> nice. >> kerri not kill him for saying old lady. no, he's one of our biggest fans and, you know, for people to see that on the outside, the work we've put in and how we've adapted and how we've changed, it's wonderful. >> i love the moment when your husband lifted you into the stands. >> that's my brother, actually. >> your brother who grabbed you. >> who was our biggest fan for sure. we're -- this dream is not possible without our husbands and our family and loved ones, so it's really special to see that and share it with everyone. >> threepeat. >> feels good. >> congratulations, ladies, and thanks for stopping by this morning. >> thanks so much for having us. >> let's go to savannah. >> thanks.

it was an all-american celebration last night. april ross and jen kessy took silver. good morning to you, ladies. you know, if you had watched the medal ceremony in black and white you would have thought you had won gold from the smiles on your faces. how exciting is it to be going home with silver medals? >> i mean to come in with such a competitive field in beach volleyball i can't say i expected to go home with a medal and i think we are just so excited to represent for the usa and to bring home a gold and a silver for usa is huge. and we're really happy. >> jen, i mean come so close to getting into the olympics in beijing and you've done it, got a silver. what were you thinking when you were standing on that medal stand? >> at first i was thinking i would have loved the gold, but, you know, then i was just soaking it in and i was just really, really happy to be out there with april. we've been through a huge road together, really long road and i'm so proud and so honored and i just was holding back tears for sure. >> april, you grew up watching

misty may-treanor play volleyball. i know you guys don't like to lose, you're fiercely competitive. if you had to lose to one team are you glad it was kerri and misty. >> they. they are such an amazing team and done so much for beach volleyball and the usa and worldwide, if we had to lose it had to be to america. >> you had an amazing tournament. you knocked out the number one seed, the brazilian team, which was incredible. that has to be on your highlight reel. >> we watched the match again. i can't wait to watch it on nbc at home. it was something we hadn't beaten them nine times. i mean that's embarrassing to say that. you know, it was one out of -- one out of ten times. >> a big victory of our career. >> i have to ask you about your lucky chewing gum. i hear during the match against brazil at first it wasn't going so well until you noticed you forget to chew your gum? >> i always have gum in. it helps me. i don't know why. and second set, 8-6, i don't

have my gum. what annual i doing. call a time-out, walk over, put it in and it changed the tide for us a little bit. >> april, going to carry the gum and make sure -- >> i have carried the gum. my husband is the gum captain. he makes sure we have it. she called a time-out. what is she doing. so early in the game. i didn't have gum in. i was like okay. >> i have to ask you, are you and your gum coming to rio in 2016? >> yes, she is. >> not you, jen in you're done? >> i feel like i've been to two olympics because we were so close the last time. so, you know, i'm 35, and i'm not sure what the future holds but i'm not sure if it includes rio. i won't count it out 100%, but 99%. >> i know someone named kerri looking for a partner, just saying. thank you so much. congratulations to both of you. >> thank you. and once again here's matt. >> savannah, thank you. as we mentioned it was a very special night at the olympic stadium as well after winning silver in 2004 and 2008, allyson

felix finally got the gold medal she has trained so hard for in the 200 meters. allyson congratulations, good morning. >> thank you so much. >> i'm not an expert in track and field but i watched your preliminary race that got you into the final and watched the way you came out of that turn and blew everyone away down the straight and i thought to myself, if there's one sure thing in london, allyson felix is going to win this 200. were you confident? >> i was really confident. i felt like things were finally coming together for me. the semi went really well and i felt pretty good going through the final. >> talk me through the race. that straightaway, did you realize how big a lead you had? >> i had no idea. i was just trying to be aggressive, just trying to get out there and never let up. >> when you're coming to the finish line, i always watch the runners, they're looking up. are you looking at the monitor that's showing the race, the scoreboard? what are you seeing? >> in the semi you're looking at the monitor to check out where everyone is. in the final it is dead on just looking at that finish line. >> so when you crossed it you

you had won. what was the feeling. >> i was overwhelmed. hadn't sunk in. i let out a "thank you lord" and was overjoyed. >> i mentioned silver in 2004, silver in 2008. and now the gold. you really have trained hard for this. is this the highlight of your career? >> definitely. i was devastated in beijing, i remember seeing my family and just being in tears and, you know, last night i saw them and we were just all so happy. it's pretty cool. >> do you understand that as the broadcaster when i hear you say you were devastated getting a silver medal in the olympics it's hard to imagine. >> yeah. it's a crazy things. you are so grateful, work so hard, so competitive, it's all about gold. >> one more event. >> two. >> two more. the 4 by 100 and the 4 by 4. >> give me predictions. >> i hope we get some more gold. it's going to be great. rivalry in jamaica is strong. we're ready to go out and kick some butt. >> when do you get your medal?

>> tonight. i think it's going to be special. >> allyson felix, congratulations on a well-deserved gold. great to see you. >> thank you so much. >> a check of the morning's other top stories. >> good morning to you, again, matt. a rare and daring rescue overnight to save an american stranded in antarctica with a serious medical emergency. keith miller has the latest. >> good morning. the patient has not been identified but is reported to be in stable condition. the dramatic rescue was necessary because the medical condition could not be treated at the remote facility. privacy laws restrict the amount of information released but staff at the rescue station said the patient needed immediate corrective surgery. since no u.s. aircraft were in position for the evacuation, it was the australians to the rescue. a specialist medical team was dispatched to the station to airlift the patient to a hospital in new zealand. flying into antarctica during

winter is a dangerous and rare event as the weather is unpredictable with only a few hours of twilight. crowned crews prepared the ice runway for the air lift. pilots had to land the air bus jet on a runway of solid ice. this is what it looked like down there during a condition one alert. windchill minus 100 degrees fahrenheit with visibility less than 100 feet. but there was no battle with the weather today and the evacuation flight touched down safely in new zealand. flights to antarctica are usually made in the summer, but summer. mid-winter medal evacuations are sometimes necessary since the research station only operates only an urgent care center. natalie. >> keith miller from our london bureau. thanks, keith. july was one for the record books as it became the hottest month ever. the previous record was set during the dust bowl of the

summer of 1936. also the warmest 12 month period on record as drought conditions worsened. another shake-up for the susan good morning komen foundation as the group president resigns. komen's founder, nancy brinker will also leave her post as chief executive but serve in management role. it was been struggling as it tried to cut funding this year for planned parenthood. good morning, mary at the new york stock exchange. >> good morning. traders back to work after a mixed session on wall street yesterday. dow matching inotching its fourt gain. the drought could cause food prices seen in 2007 and 2008. behind the high prices are soaring grain prices due to the drought. and gas prices inching higher following a refinery in the bay area and gas prices

could reach $4 a gallon. back to you. >> mary thompson at the new york stock exchange. thank you. nasa's rover curiosity has conspiracy theories have begun. a dark spot on the horizon in this photo seems just to be a part of the scenery there, until curiosity sent back a second shot just two hours later with that mysterious blotch completely gone. scientists say it is possible that the rover captured the device that lowered it on to mars, crash landing on to the red planet or likely just dirt on the lens. or could it be that rover isn't quite alone? i don't know. 7:19. back over to matt, savannah and al. >> jeff rossen on this. >> keep it going, yeah. >> it is a mystery. >> it could mean disaster. >> mr. roker, what's going on? >> we've got unfortunately some severe weather to talk about right now, that risk area stretching from the northeast all the way into the midwest and the lower mississippi river

valley. hail, damaging winds, torrential downpours, can't rule out a tornado or two. live on the radar, we're seeing stuff firing up central indiana. rainfall amounts from green bay to cincinnati, anywhere from three to five inches of rain. that's what's going on around the >> 7:20 on a thursday morning. we are getting a little bit of a marine layer but it's burning off quickly. you can see the top of the buildings in san francisco, but this will keep your coastal communities and bayside communities nice and cool today. comparison to what we expect in the east bay. triple-digit heat. 55 to start in san francisco. spare the air day with unhealthy air quality, air pollution levels in the east bay, monitor your outdoor activity and stay indoor you have asthma. we get even hotter tomorrow. >> that's your latest weather. gorgeous weather now. fantastic last night at the horse guards parade for that match. in fact, we were all hanging out together, just having a good

time. there you go. >> apparently i didn't make the picture. >> you were out getting beer. >> my face smiling so hard, that was exhausting. >> coming up, much more from london, including a victory lap around the city for the u.s. women's gold medal withining gymna

just ahead, the first time olympians who gave team usa a one-two finish. we'll talk to them. >> and lawrence scruggs will be here for her first interview when she was injured walking into a plan propeller. that's next. parents this year i'm going to teach your kids

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nissan. innovation that excites. - hugs from beneful baked delights... - [ barks ]rs ] are crispy, oven-baked dog snacks with soft savory centers, made with beef and cheese. beneful baked delights: a unique collection of four snacks... >> 7:26. good morning. i'm jon kelley. a national tragedy with local impact. today leaders joining the sikh community to encourage unity and tolerance after six people were killed in a wisconsin temple on sunday. several candlelight vigils were held in the bay area last night t largest in san jose where people spoke about solidarity and standing up against violence, hate and bigotry. >> it could have been our people. you feel for them because you feel like they are your community, your family no matter where they are in the world. >> tonight mike honda and supervisor dave cortez and san

jose council member ash carla all or i should say kolra, meet with leaders of the sikh community at 7:00 at the county building on heading street in san jose. right now let's take it out, check out the weather with meteorologist christina loren. >> good morning to you, jon kelley. good morning to you at home. a live look over the sunol grade. we have cloud cover here, it will quickly clear and temperatures will be hot as we head throughout this afternoon, 86 in oakland, 84 in fremont and 90 in san jose. the extreme east bay getting very hot today. that mean it's dangerous for you to overdo it. you want to be aware of the signs of excessive heat. i posted those on my facebook page for you. we don't get out of the heat, holding on to triple digits and sunday and monday, tuesday, starting to cool off a touch. we'll check your drive. that's heating up. >> it's okay for the pattern through the south bay.

101 slower. capital expressway in toward palo alto. 280 with the red, that jams up toward 880. a live look at palo alto shows you the southbound side. the construction zone kicks in we lose a lane and folks are slowing at the merge. we'll get a look across the bay at the bay bridge. the backup into the berkeley curve and down the east shore freeway. speeds in the 40s. 880 at 29th i'm watching that. >> a few clouds too. for the latest make sure to check out bay area on facebook.

i hear you speak british. >> we speak a little bit of british. >> we're really fantastic. >> so what do you do after you win gold here in london? smart to do a little sightseeing of course. jenna bush hager tags along with the u.s. gymnastics team. on the plaza, our home away from home the past couple of weeks. i'm matt lauer along with savannah guthrie, natalie morales and al roker. >> it's going to be a huge night tonight. the u.s. women's soccer team

advance to the finals after the last-second win against canada. natalie caught up with alex morgue a morgan, the hero of the game and they're going to tell us how they feel going for their third straight olympic medal. >> every time we come to the olympic games, we're in search of an inspiring story but we're going to share an inspiring story from back home. lauren scruggs, who walked into a propeller, was terribly injured. sheep has made the trip here to london, she'll take in the sights. it's her first interview since that accident. we'll talk to her shortly. >> first we want to say hello to two medal winners. guys, good morning to you. not too slouchy for two first-time olympians. >> not bad at all. >> how do you feel? >> i feel great.

it like a dream come true. it's been something i've been training for, it's amazing. >> and deliver your personal best, right? >> yes, it was. >> did you so much better in this race than you did trying to teach savannah. >> you had to bring it up. >> take me through the race. >> to be a hurdler, you have to be a little bit crazy, you have to believe you're able to defy gravity. for us it starts with a strong, powerful start. >> precision is really everything. and aries, you're all about the method. even though you had the gold coming your way, you thought your race of imperfect. are you being too hard on yourself in. >> as a world class athlete, you strive for perfection. if you're satisfied, something's wrong. >> when you're doing this, what is time like for you? are you conscious of the time or does it seem like it's going on for a while?

>> you're not really conscious of the time. you just go out there and compete like you do at practice and the time will be there. you're just not focused on that. >> i know you guys are competitive on the track but also with your hair. >> he has better hair. >> we have different hair. >> it's a dead heat. >> aries merit and jason richards, congratulations. and lucky for you, al's english class is about to be in session. >> we share the same language but it means so many different things. today in al's english class, it's a little bit of the news. the presenter on the telli looks squish in his jumper. >> the presenter is the host. looked what? >> squish.

>> dapper? >> the anchor on the television looks stylish in his sweater. >> next one. the little nipper's plans went sixes and sevens. >> it went all wrong. >> what's the little nipper? >> little kid? >> the small child's plan went haywire. >> you get credit there. >> it's a nice team effort. team usa. >> there you >> our neck of the woods is going to be very warm even by the standards normally set by sum ear time in the bay area. temperatures are going to be about 10 to 15 degrees above average. where we're not getting any of that cloud cover this morning which is in the extreme east bay so look at these readings. 102, 86 bay side. 77 at the coast. we continue that warm-up as we head through tomorrow. by saturday and sunday taking

your temperatures down a touch but staying very hot, i want to make sure you're aware of that. our overnight lows in the 70s over the weekend. al, thanks very much. this morning on "today's athlete to watch", the u.s. women's soccer team. they advance thanks to a thrilling extra time goal headed in by alex morgan. they'll face a tough opponent, japan, who beat them in last cup's world cup finale. natalie? >> after speaking with five women of team usa, i can tell you to never count them out because they are ready for a taste of redemption. it was a play for the ages as the clock wound down in double overtime --

>> alex morgue and has done it! >> a cross and a header by 23-year-old alex morgan right into the net propelling team usa to the gold medal race in the olympics. >>. >> did their part. i just happened to be the right place at the right time when heather crossed that ball. >> how stressed do u have get when you're down? >> if there's time on the clock, we always feel like we're in it. >> and in it is right where team usa expects to be tonight when they take on japan in a rematch of last year's world cup finals, the match the u.s. lost on penalty kicks. >> tell me how you're feeling going into this match. >> the team is feeling good, going up against japan again, readvantar reven revenge. we're going for a gold medal.

>> you sure keep your fans on pins and needles. if you're looking for a shoot-out scenario again, will that be disappointing for you guys? >> we're expecting to get the job done within 90 minutes. all of us have the belief in ourselves and each other, i think we owe it to each other to perform for 90 minutes. >> it's also been a bit of fun. >> megan, i hear alex has a nickname. >> i don't know where that came from. >> baby horse. >> when she first came on the team she was so talented. she plays with so much power, like she's a baby horse. now we're proud to say she's upgraded herself. she's a stallion. >> the stallion and the rest of the team have celebrated their scoring, with cart wheels against new zealand and the world versus north korea.

>> can you show me that? >> ready? >> whoo. >> practicing your move. >> could a special celebration be in the works for tonight? >> i don't think anybody is going to have to choreograph the celebration. you'll see it on our faces. >> and with this team you see ou far women's soccer has come through the years. >> i also think all of us want to keep creating more opportunities for people who come behind us, more opportunities to inspire. my favorite story from the world cup was when a 15-year-old kid came up to me, a boy, and said i want to be a women's professional soccer player when i grow up. that was amazing. i any it's really come full circle. >> and if they win tonight, fingers crossed, it will be their third straight olympic gold. this team is all about true grit. they've been down four times

here in the olympics and they've come back to win. >> going to the game? >> of course. i'll be there. >> you can catch that game at 2:15 eastern time on the nbc sports network. >> up next, the women's gymnastics team takes jen bush hager on a tour of london. all multivitamins give me the basics. they claim to be complete. only centrum goes beyond.

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>> they made me feel like a teen-ager. with all of their hard work, there's been little time to play until now. the girls went off to blow some steam and they took me along for the ride. i heard you are speak british. >> a little bit. >> you speak a little bit of british. >> we've been practicing a lot. >> you're doing very well. how about you? >> not really. >> you guys have been competing the entire time. have you been able to do anything? >> we were been in the olympic village the whole time. >> you haven't been anywhere at all? >> no. today's our first day out. >> usa! >> come on board, let's see london. you guys are all in your teens still. what are you looking forward to that has nothing to do with gymnastics? >> i think besides competing outside of the gym we're normal

girls. we love fashion and talking about boys. >> we're just normal girls. we just want to have fun. >> whoo! ♪ oh girls, they want to have fun, oh, girls just want to have fun ♪ ♪ girls just want to have fun >> and all of us girls did have a lot of fun. if you're wondering why they now go by the fierce five, they decided on that neck name after being told the fab five was already used by the university of michigan's basketball team in the 90s. savannah? >> well, here they are, the fierce five. girls, i think at this point you

need no introduction. did you have fun on that tour of london? >> so much fun. >> what was the best part? >> the hot chocolate. >> a dance party. >> i had a feeling you guys have been having a dance party. every night in your room? >> definitely. >> what's the theme song of the pierce five these days? >> we have toomany. so hot chocolate. nothing something you had p pre-olympics i'm sure. have you done anything to cut loose? >> we've been pretty busy. we've been hanging out, enjoying being done. >> you've had the highs and lows of the olympic experience. what has most impressed you about your teammates or who has really stood out for the way they've handled everything? kyla, do you have something to say? >> i'm sorry, i didn't really hear you.

>> who has really stood out you think during these olympics? who do you think has really shined? >> i think we all sort of went out there and did our job for team finals. i think going out there and showing we're fierce out there helped us throughout the olympic experience. >> i think each girl had their time to shine. aly is the team captain and got the gold medal, jordyn came back and redeemed herself and i'm just really proud of all these girls. >> jordyn, we see you have the fashion statement there, the boot. you have been hurt? >> once i got to london, i figured out i had a stress fracture in my shin. i was able to push through it. this was the olympics. i couldn't give up so easily. i fought through it and came together for the team. >> i have to ask you about your medal ceremony. a lot of people say she did not

look that happy to win silver. >> it wasn't the silver i was disappointed about. i was just disappointed in what happened and how i performed. i wanted to hit both my vaults but i ended up falling on my second one. i was just disappointed with myself, not the silver medal. it's amazing to be here and be on this team usa. it wasn't what i was disappointed about. >> you're all wearing gold and looking good. i hear you had a brush with royalty. you saw princess kate. thofs that, gab-- how was that,? >> it was an amazing experience to say i met princess kate. abby told her she loved her fashion. >> you guys are looking to meet usain bolt. i have a picture to say you've got the pose down. >> haven't found him yet. >> have you tried stalking him? >> i know you guys are big justin bieber fans and he

tweeted you. is that right? >> mm-hmm. >> tack a look at that monitor. see if you can hear. >> that was not a gold medal performance but what is is what you guys have been doing over there in london. i want to say you guys are incredible and keep up the hard work. >> what do you think, girls? can you go home now complete, your olympic experience? >> so cool. amazing. >> i didn't know he could do that. >> that wasn't him. that was one of his dancers. >> i'm sure -- >> i couldn't really see. >> maybe you guys will get to meet him and you can show him how to do a back flip. >> gabby, you're going to be on the cover of "people" magazine. that's exciting. >> i think it's going to be pretty exciting.

to see my covface on the cover l be exciting. >> we know you're going to keep at it. congratulations here. still ahead, much more from london. dane helen mirren is going to stop boy. and the olympics through the lens of a very special photographer after this. is the end the most rewarding part of the journey? is it? the truth is, there's no destination without a beginning. no dream without closing your eyes. for us, there's no finish... without the most important part of the day... [ girl ] the start. [ female announcer ] kellogg's. [ girl ] see you at breakfast. discover a supernatural family comedy

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team. and whether it's on the grass -- >> oh, it's in! >> -- or on the sand -- >> misty and kerri, three-peat! >> the women have provided some of the most thrilling moments. among them, sarah atar, a runner from california representing saudi arabia because it's her father's homeland. but this isn't a story about winning. it's a story about breaking barriers. sarah atar is the first woman ever to compete for saudi arabia in track and field. she drew a roar from the crowd at the start of her 800 meter race. the rest of the field blew by her from the very start and they were already cooling off by the time she crossed the finish line alone. but that didn't matter. sara atar came to london not to finish first but to chang hearts and minds. it's a great story.

and just ahead, lauren scruggs, her first interview since that accident after your local news. we're at walmart with anne and her daughter. they shop for all their groceries right here, but let me ask you, do you think of walmart when you think of phones? no. no. let's see if we can change that. okay. i mean, look at these smart phones! oh wow! cool! yeah. will you tell them how cool it is? this is the htc evo 4g lte on sprint's super fast network. really? with sprint? yup. cool! well she loves her new phone and you love the price. yup. come to walmart and see for yourself. the only network with truly unlimited data. and now find the htc evo 4g lte at a special price in stores today. now at walmart. oh you're checking in. will you tag me? nope. she's so funny. here we go! ♪ ♪

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>> the time 7:56. good morning. i'm jon kelley. chevron may have a clearer picture of its legal problems today after the fire in richmond which sent hundreds to the hospital, most with breathing problems. this morning the oil giant opening up an office in richmond where people can file their claims. officials say more than 1,000 people contacted chevron, another 1,000 have lawyered up. the cause of this fire is still under investigation. >> in san jose a tracy man recovering in the hospital this morning after his sky diving jump ends badly on the monterey peninsula. witnesses say his parachute opened up early and then he landed very hard. his condition remains still unclear. >> right now we welcome in to multitalented meteorologist christina loren to tell us about your thursday forecast. >> good morning.

really want to let everybody know it's going to be a very hot day. this is san rafael, a few clouds overhead, let's of sunshine early. temperatures already in the 60s in livermore and concord, we're at 60 in san jose and gilroy. we've got mid-50s at the coast where we'll get the best weather today. look at your noon readings, 90 at lunch time, rounding out the day at about 102 degrees. we don't get out of the heat until after this weekend. 7:57. let's check your drive. >> we start with san jose. a new accident north side of the airport. also 280 at the 880 interchange, things are going to kick in as far as the volume. that's when we'll see slowing here. a live look outside, we'll show you the peninsula, southbound 101 toward us on the left. there is the slowing out of san mateo and in toward university avenue. that's where things bog down. and on the east bay look at southbound 880 coming through fremont. slow from dakota road and newark down to mission.

back to you. >> thank you. for the latest make sure to check us out on facebook.

8:00 on this thursday morning, the 9th of august 2012, 73 degree, nice breeze, it's a chamber of commerce today, a chance to say hello to the folks back home. >> tell the chamber of commerce they can move this helicopter. >> always with the complaints. >> it's always something. >> maybe it's the queen! >> blame al roker. >> good morning, everyone. i'm matt -- >> you're matt? >> no, you're matt. that's al.

eem s i'm savannah. just ahead, we are going to catch up with a remarkable young woman whose story we have been following. lauren scruggs was badly injured in december when she walked into a spending plane propeller. she lost her arm, she lost her eye but she is making a remarkable recovery. this morning she is here to tell us how she's doing in an exclusive live interview. it's her first since that accident. >> also ahead, a man who is capturing some stunning images of these games. ann curry has made her way to london and she'll have the story. >> and we've got some stunning images, abby road, man's first step on the moon, michael jordan defying gravity. >> let's get the top lem pick

ne -- olympic news of the day. we turn to michelle kosinski. >> the u.s. will play japan in soccer and last night it was a great one to be an american athlete at the london games winning medal after medal. >> celebration time once again for the golden girls. >> the unstoppable team of misty may treanor and kerri walsh jennings grabbed gold yet again in the beach volleyball finals, beating kessy and ross in straight sets. they celebrated on a night that finally felt something like london, temperatures in the low 70s. >> i'm so honored to have played the last 12 years in misty. i'm so proud. >> we wanted to go down in history, three-time gold

medallists. this is what we wanted. >> we were really happy. we would have loved to have a better match today. i think we've battled so hard in the last two weeks. >>al san felix gets her gold! >> an historic night for team usa in track and field getting seven medals, capped by a long-awaited gold medal for allyson felix in the 200 meter. >> there's tons of hardships along the way. you can't give up and lose sight of your dreams. >> and she insisted on limping over the finish line. the crowd gave her a standing ovation. >> and she wore a big red flower in her hair in honor of her

grandmother's 100th birthday. >> and the track opened for bmx, on the second time the sport has been in the olympics. 19-year-old american brook crane was doing great in the preliminaries when one of the gravel hills got him, slamming into the next one. crane was okay. >> and the u.s. once again tops china in the medal count 81-77. back to you guys in the sunshine. >> thanks very much. >> i just was signing someone's hat. i had to remind myself not to sign it matt lauer. i've recovered now, though. let's send it over to natalie morales who has a check of the news today. >> good morning, everyone. president obama called the prime minister of india wednesday to express his condolences over the shooting deaths of six sikh

worshippers on sunday. gunman wade michael page died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he was shot by police. officials still do not know his motive for the massacre. >> sear -- syrian government forces have larched a ground assault on aleppo. >> country sing are randy travis is facing new legal trouble after his second alcohol-related arrest in just six months. >> reporter: this almost sounds like a bad country song. police say they found randy travis wearing nothing at all, all alone by the side of the road after he allegedly crashed his car. country singer randy travis is a free man this morning following a bizarre run-in with the law late tuesday. a witness called 911 alerting

police to someone in distress. >> i just found a guy laying in the road. >> is he responsive? >> i haven't got out of my vehicle yet. >> reporter: according to the police, travis was found naked and smelling of alcohol after he crashed his pontiac trans am in his home state of texas. he was arrested and charged with driving while entointoxicated a felony retaliation, saying he was belligerent and threatened to shoot the officers. >> he was buck neighborhoaked, demanding cigarettes. he had no money on him. i said how are you going to pay for it? >> reporter: in february he was charged with public intoxication, seen on this

video. >> you're going to go to jail for intoxication. >> hoda kotb asked hum about the incident when he co-hosted earlier this year. >> i was waiting for someone to pick me up and the wrong person showed up. >> reporter: travis was released on bond from jail wednesday morning. neither the singer or his staff has commented on the arrest. he has a tour scheduled next week. >> for a look at what is trending today, what has you talking online. jenny garth reports she is dating again but, quote, with training wheels on. she jokes that she's back into adult adolescencadolescence.

>> a low blow is getting a lot of replay online. he punched a player below the belt during the quarterfinal loss. he played for the trail blazers and later apologized on twitter. carmelo anthony also shaking off a cheap shot delivered by argentina player on monday night. and the american gymnast's expression is being photo shopped into different images. this morning she said she was disappointed in herself and not the silver medal win. and how about this week's rover landing? we know, not impressed. people are having a lot of fun, too much fun. >> she was actually thinking of my forecast. that's what that look is. let's show you what we have for london. no frowny faces with this

forecast. lots of sun today, 81 tomorrow. as we go back to the states, we do have showers and thunderstorms through the upper midwest. risk of strong storms stretching all the way up into new england good morning to you. the time now is 8:09. look how hausy it is from san jose. we have a spare the air alert in place today and temperatures cooking in fairfield, 71 degrees there. your perimeter cities are hot. the hotter to the central valley the hotter the temperatures. mid-60s already in livermore. triple digit heat and even hotter than yesterday. 102 degrees out there at about 4:00 p.m. 77 in san francisco. best weather at the beach. >> and that's your latest weather. matt? >> thank you very much. when we come back, the remarkable recovery of lauren

scruggs, the young lady severely injured when she walked into a plane's propeller. she here in london. it's her first interview. we'll have that right after these messages. [ sneezes ] [ male announcer ] if you have yet to master the quiet sneeze... ♪ [ sneezes ] [ male announcer ] you may be an allergy muddler. try zyrtec®. it gives you powerful allergy relief. and zyrtec® is different than claritin® because zyrtec® starts working at hour 1 on the first day you take it. claritin® doesn't start working until hour 3. [ sneezes ] [ male announcer ] zyrtec®. love the air. join zyrtec® rewards. save up to $7 on zyrtec® products. what are you gonna do? ♪ [ cross ] i'm gonna finish what he started. [ dita ] it's aaron cross. consider the magnitude of what we're facing. let's go. [ male announcer ] "the bourne legacy." rated pg-13. let's go. energy is being produced to power our lives. while energy development comes with some risk, north america's natural gas producers are committed

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♪ go above and beyond to find lower priced options... ♪ and enroll you in walgreens prescription savings club... which saves members an average of one hundred and seventy dollars a year. ask your pharmacist how much you can save today at walgreens. ♪ welcome back to london. the life of aspiring model lauren scruggs changed forever last december when she accidentally walked into the propeller of a plane. she writes about it in a book coming out this fall called "still lolo." >> reporter: for this beautiful young model and fashion blogger, it was a life changing moment, one that could have easily claimed her life just a few weeks before christmas. lauren heads out in a two-seat are plane piloted by a friend

n for a look at holiday lights. in the dark, lauren accidentally walks into the path of a still spinning propeller. >> a girl walked into an airplane prop. i need an ambulance immediately. >> she suffered multiple injuries, the loss of her left hand and eye. doctors said it was a miracle she survived the accident but that her recovery might take yet another. months of rehabilitation, numerous surgeries, her parents and twin sister kept a daily vigil by her side, often logging that lolo, as they call her, was in considerable pain.

lauren didn't hide. she was spotted in grocery stores. on twitter, there were pictures of family getaways, including this one to colorado just two months after her accident. back home she was fitted with pr prosthetics, first her left eye and then her hand. by her 24th birthday last month, this texas beauty was in a celebratory mood, out with those she loves and crediting family and faith for a recovery most say is nothing short of another miracle. >> and lauren scruggs is with us exclusively. lauren, good morning. >> good morning. >> it is good to see you. you look great. how do you feel? >> i'm feeling good. i think physically it's good that i'm off all my pain meds and all medication and haven't had pain since january so that's a blessing. and emotionally days are hard

sometimes just accepting the loss of my eye and hand but it just gets better and i've realized god's in control of my life and there's a purpose in this story and spiritually i just learn to live not by faith and not by sight. i realize the lord has a strong purpose and i need to use that. >> you have an amazing story to tell. i know you have a book coming out and we're going to talk more later. but there was a reason you wanted to come out now publicly and show the world here you are. why was that important to you? >> i know a lot of people have been following the story and photographers trying to get photos. it's just good to be out in public just as i am and letting people know that i'm doing okay and healing up. >> you wanted to do it on your terms? >> yes, yes. >> i know we'll talk more about it. do you remember that night? >> i remember my feet touching

the ground getting out of the plane but that's all i remember. we'll go into more detail in the book. my parents obviously have their side of the story and my sister and so it's good to see their perspective as well. >> how was the prose cess of writing it? was it therapeutic? was it painful? >> it was a little bit of both. it was really healing for me to talk about the event and even reading things that i was unsure of that everyone else went through. and, i don't know, it was just i have kind of gained a new perspective of life and i feel like i need to use my message of hope and healing to help others, inspire others just like people have inspired me. >> i know you've gotten so much support, certainly from your family but also from total strangers. on a happy note you're here at the olympics. why was it important for you to come here? >> i'm just inspired by the athletes and their perseverance.

i had to, you know, be -- persevere through this recovery and still am. >> are there any particular athletes that you really are inspired by? >> yeah, i think gabby is a real inspiration to me, just her spirit is so sweet and just how she professes her faith. >> gabby douglas, i see someone wanting to say hello to you. >> so nice to meet you. >> you, too. >> oh, my gosh, yeah, i just think she's a doll. >> thank you. >> here's two ladies that can draw inspiration from one another. gabby, that must be pretty exciting to you, a total stranger looks to you and says you've inspired them. >> i just have to say this means so much to me. and to know that i was always wanted to inspire the nation and inspire people. it means so much when you said you're inspired by me. it's just an amazing feeling. and i'm so happy and so excited

for you and all that you've overcome just keep staying strong and keep shining. >> two wonderful ladies, gabby douglas and lauren scruggs. we'll see you later but until then get a picture with gabby. we'll be back from london right after this. we imagined a vehicle that could adapt to changing road conditions. one that continually monitors and corrects for wheel slip. we imagined a vehicle that can increase emergency braking power when you need it most. and we imagined it looking like nothing else on the road today. then...we built it. the 2012 glk. where bold engineering meets bold design. starting at $35,880.

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ally bank. no nonsense. just people sense. we're back in london where these games have already produced a lot of memorable images. ann curry is here to introduce us to a guy who hopes to mack them last forever. >> a few days ago i saw a photograph that captured two synchronized swimmers in motion. >> as a sport photographer, the olympics is probably the premier vant you can photograph. it's almost like a compressed emotions of human life. >> what do you learn about our

human nature, about our drive for excellence? >> you see the whole range of emotions in a really short space in time. you see the same people coming back and back again. they'll do anything to achieve in their particular field. >> who are some of those people you've seen rise up? >> i've seen michael phelps' career begin and come to a close here in london. >> and michael phelps is going to win gold! >> describe the technical challenges of photographing the fastest athletes in the world. >> technically it's probably not as difficult because the athlete is so perfect. they're predictable almost. but then to get something a little bit different is where it i guess becomes a challenge and where you really do need to have good reflexes or most of the time it a bit of foresight. you know, knowing what to expect. planning for that unexpected moment and hopefully getting it. >> well, given how much there is a risk of not getting the

photograph, why do you take the risk of shooting with such a short depth of field when you're looking at a moving object? >> at the olympics you're competing against i don't know how many other thousands of photographers. to get your picture used or noticed, you want to create something different or unique. i guess that's where the risk comes into it. >> so risk is good? >> risk is good, yeah, definitely. >> most of the time. >> most of the time, yeah. will have been times where it hasn't paid off. >> you seem to take a lot of pictures of water. and you have to get in the water. >> yes. you know, i didn't want to try to look for that easy option. and from australia, living down by the beach, i love the water, i grew up in the water. i think water, life and athletic bodies is photographic nirvana. >> and in this one, what is going on here? >> you really see the impact on the guy's face, the amount of

force he hit the water with. >> you seem to find images that are quiet, simple. how do you do that? >> the first thing i look at is what background am i going to shoot? it's almost like building a picture rather than taking a picture or going and look at a background and try and find the best possible situation for that background, then i'll look at the lighting and probably the last thing i think about is where the athlete will be. >> how grueling are these hours? >> look at these eyes. >> they look pretty good to me. >> i'm 21 years old. >> what, are you 16 hour days? >> sometimes longer. if i complain about it, they say don't come back next time, we'll get somebody else. you fight to come back. >> photographer adam priddy says what we see in these frozen moments of impact and drama is

what's great even with these still pictures. >> you're pretty good with a camera. good morning to you. it's 8:26. i'm laura garcia-cannon. people in some south bay neighborhoods need to keep their windows closed tonight. crews will be spraying for mosquitoes in following areas. they say mosquitoes infected with west nile virus have been found in those cities. thing forriing fo the fogging will last for several hours. it includes zip codes 94024 and 94040. let's check the traffic, mike. >> there by my high school. live look at 101 shows you the jam.

yeah, back on the roadways. you see this. on the maps you see that slowing from capital express way past the airport and 280 coming out of downtown. an issue for northbound 17 also. a number of reports about a crash or at least a fender bender north 17 at the cats and causing a slow down. a lot of people calling it in so it must be a big distraction coming in from los gatos. >> there is degree blocking a couple of lanes near the embarcadero exit. >> check out nbcbayarea.com on facebook. another local news update is half an hour. [ donovan ] i hit a wall.

and i thought "i can't do this, it's just too hard." then there was a moment. when i decided to find a way to keep going. go for olympic gold and go to college too. [ male announcer ] every day we help students earn their bachelor's or master's degree for tomorrow's careers. this is your moment. let nothing stand in your way. devry university, proud to support the education of our u.s. olympic team.

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day 30 now on the thursday morning, it's also the 9th day of august 2012. a gorgeous view of some of the sights of london. boy, this city has put on some show over the last couple of weeks. we appreciate their hospitality. by the way, there's our friends at goodyear providing those images. let's not forget the nice people

who have joined us here in olympic park as well. they've been here for two weeks as well. well, not the same people. because so many people have come to the olympic games, it's hard to find ways around without jumping into traffic. >> or even on the subway, the tube. i actually brought my bicycle with me. this is a biking city. a lot of folks on bikes. it's a great way to see the city and the surrounding countryside. ben fogel took me out and we had a great time. >> we have a national treasure here today. dane, helen mirren is here. do you think she's got the olympic spirit? >> i don't think that i've ever seen her dress casually. that's cool. >> also doesnn't forget we have really exciting week next week, concerts lined up for you, monday we'll have the fray

followed by nicki minaj, carrie underwood, lionel richie and friday a rare 98 degrees reunion, all next weekly on rockefeller plaza on today. be sure to stop on by. all of you in london, come with us. >> let's show you what you've got as far as your weekend is concerned. starting with friday, a beautiful day out west. the eastern seaboard is going to be a mess. saturday more sunshine and sizzling weather, showers around the great lakes, and then sunday we are looking at more mild weather, plenty of sunshine along the eastern seaboard. showers mid section of the country. beautiful weather all the way down into the southwest w sunshine and sizzle inland

today. meanwhile, comfortable conditions at the beach and over the bay, but what is really interesting is you can actually see the bank of low clouds kind of burning off with the naked eye. something we don't typically see and because high pressure is out there and it is so strong compressing everything in our atmosphere. the spare the air day. that will be at its worse in the east bay thonk. -- this evening. weather. savannah? >> al, thanks. when you spend time in london, it's clear the americans and british have a special relationship but why are we so fascinated with one another? tom brokaw is here to explain. good morning. >> good morning. as you know, it's a mixed relationship. at the beginning america was a british colony. before long there was a family feud and the british were told to take their ting and get lost.

it turns out we're bonkers for royalty. any major royal event is big box office on american television. the queen, so much more than the head of the royal household. >> it's our brand. >> tracy ulman, an american citizen but always a brit. >> she's done a bloody good job, if i say so. and kate middleton has rejuvenated us all again, on we go. >> it doesn't stop with the royals. on we go to abby, the lifestyle of the british upper class. >> are you afraid someone will think you're american if you spoke openly? >> i doubt it will come with that. >> there's mccartney and the beatles, mick and the stones, hollywood, that very american institution, some of the biggest stars are british. best pictures "the king's

speech." before that "shakespeare in love." "harry potter" conquered america young and old. so what do the british like american? katty kay is a british bbc correspondent based in london. >> all of our grumbling about hour americans behave around the world, we're still wearing levis, drinking coke, using ipads. >> it's a little bit harder now and independent speaking as a student of history to look at how you actually make a decision in washington. >> we talk about god, guns and government. those are the three big things we don't understand. the role of government here is much more complicated. people don't want it in america. in britain we expect government to provide things for us. >> in these olympic games there's a kind of mutual

admiration society. there are more of us here with a bigger medal count, but britain is having a great run. and it is an agreeable mix. they can row. >> great britain takes the gold medal! >> we can swim. >> here comes phelps to the wall and gets it done! >> they're better on a horse, we're better on hardwood. >> what i love about this olympic game that seems to have happened in england is that we've imported a ton of american self-esteem. we could never high five year ago but now we're high fiving, we're winning gold medals. >> royals kate and harry, the younger royals, are a big attraction for americans in the stands. they seem like the kids next

door, if this is your idea of next door. kate is so much more than just another young bride. >> she has a mystique. we don't know her. she's not on the reality shows, you don't know everybout them. you just know everything about everybody. and that's what she's got right now, this mystique. >> you know, i think that this relationship really has been enhanced during this week here, such a great feeling in the city. the british are very inclined to be very generous about americans. i'm going to go out into olympic park, take up a collection and see if we can buy matt a pair of socks. >> oh, no you didn't. he's right there listening to you and so are his ankles. >> i've run out of laundry. >> and helen mirren has stopped

by. >> go gb! >> we'll talk to her but first this is "today" on nbc. [ male announcer ] now at your neighborhood subway: dinner...is...served. tonight, take it easy and enjoy your favorite soup, salad and hot, hearty sub. like the toasty big hot pastrami melt. get to your local subway for some dinnertime deliciousness tonight. subway. eat fresh. ♪ [ male announcer ] every day we are doing our best, to make sure they are at their best. before they move us, we move them. proud to fly team usa for over 30 years. united. am i don't know. anya for omedications?. last immunization shots?

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and this morning on "today" in london, a little manpowerer to see the sights around here. mr. roker hit the road for a little adventure. >> coming into the games the folks were worried about the london traffic. i found if you hop on a bike, you're good to go. ben fogel took me along for a ride. >> you can keep your traffic, i'm getting on my bike. a lot of londoners feel the same

way. now i'm off to the countryside and meeting up with ben. if you have one of these dinky folding bikes, you'll never have to take the bus again. >> 20 miles out of london here. >> this is gorgeous. >> i've always found being on a bicycle the best way to cover a huge distance and see places you wouldn't normally get to. >> but see it in ways you don't see it from a car. all this exercise is making me hungry. what's for lunch? is that chicken? >> we've got plenty. >> that is fantastic! she's got something for you. >> it's bangers and mash. >> if we weren't on our bikes -- >> we'd be on the boat. >> i have move on. ben says he has a surprise up his sleeve. >> wait a minute. this is where matt's staying while he's covering the

olympics. >> this was henry viii's palace, famous for chopping his wife's heads off. but he loves sports. this was one of the olympic venues as well. what do you think? matt's got a pretty good pad here. >> he does. i can't believe he was able to score this. since matt seems to be out right now, we have the run of hampton court. i have to tell you, i've seen just about as much as i can possibly see. oh, my goodness. what the heck? >> what is this? >> this is a bicycle that victorian people used to ride all the time. >> some people even race them today. >> were these dangerous? >> yeah, very. >> ooh! >> uh-oh, ben's going to give it a go. >> let's just go for it. i am riding a penny farthing. oh, yes. >> oh, yeah, who's the man?

wiggins has nothing on you. >> one hand! >> don't get cocky! >> very good, my friend. >> yes! >> i'm going to try something just as dare devil. >> are you? >> you wait here. >> i'm going to wait here. >> oh, hey! >> not bad, huh? look at this. for athletic ladies or less athletic men. yes. >> do you have room for another one sp. >> no, i'm on this. i'm on fire, baby. have you ever seen anything like this before? >> never. >> now, would you swap my bike for one of these? >> no. first of all, those don't fold up and, secondly, they're just really weird. >> cool. >> we had a great time. more impressive than the fact that you rode a penny farthing

is that you took a sausage from the boat -- >> i know. >> when we come back, one of great britain's treasured athletes, dame helen mirren preparing for race walking on our plaza. but first this is "today" on nbc.

welcome back to london. oscar winning actress helen mirren is enjoying having the olympic games in her home stadium. she's happy to join us here in olympic park. my first question was, helen, are you into the olympic spirit? i think we have our answer this morning. >> i am so into the olympic spirit. i was into it right from the beginning. i was a big supporter. i was thrilled when london got

the bid and i've been supporting it ever since. luckily my schedule worked out so i could be here. >> and icing on the cake, team g.b. is doing great. >> unbelievable. i don't know if that happens every time a host country hosts. we always know the americans are always going to do great, the russians are always going to do great, the chinese are always going to do great but it was -- i think it's been quite a surprise for all of us. it just shows how important preparation is, you know, to have the training facilities, to have the encouragement of kids in school. really, really great to see. i have to say for me the overriding story is the women, the women in the olympics. >> and it's just been huge. >> the english -- the british girls but girls from all over the world. just watching them compete. i remember in 1984 when the games were in los angeles, that was the first year i was told that women ran in the marathon.

and that was in 1984. that wasn't so long ago. >> well, they've come a long way. i know you've gotten to see some events. you saw usain bolt won? >> i saw him win. >> are you one to scream and shout? >> that's not the way we operate in britain. >> i heard you have a theory that the brits excel in sports in which you're sitting? >> the british prime minister did say that, we have excelled on the sitting down sports, riding, cycling, rowing. >> it's been a big year. you narrowed the jubilee pageant. that wasn't nerve racking at all? >> no, it wasn't nerve racking. it was a wonderful celebration of an amazing era in time.

and to have this as the icing on the cake here, you know, is just an amazing experience for all of us. sorry. >> feel free to cough. are londoners sick of partying now? are they kind of over it? >> londoners i'm afraid never get sick of partying, as you see every thursday, and friday night in all the pubs. we are party animals. it's just so wonderful to see the beautiful, beautiful women and goals doing extraordinary physical feats. that's just been so moving for me and exciting. >> very inspiring. speaking of beautiful women, i can't let you go without mentioning you were voted the celebrity who has aged the best in a poll rating celebrities over 60s. it's your gold medal moment. do you want to make a speech? >> i'm very honored.

>> you are a good sport indeed. great to see you. and your city is wonderful. coming up next, where the olympic families go to relax when they're not watching families compete. but first this is "today" in london.

as we've been tell as we have been telling you for a while now, it is exciting

to watch an olympic event in person, but for families, it is often not. jenna hagar bush is back with where families can go. >> yes. procter & gamble is treating the families to their own kind of gold medal experience. >> my family is just so important to me. >> my parents are so supportive. >> whether i quit swimming tomorrow, they are still going to be root iing for me no matte what i do, they are my parents. >> my mom has been a huge part of my life. >> reporter: we met up with ashton's mom, ross, at the pr k procter & gamble house which is the home away from home for the athletes' parents at the games. it is your son's first olympics. tell me what it is like as a mom. >> it is one of the most surreal moment

moments imaginable ever. it is just a representation of so much effort by him. >> reporter: how awesome is it that there is a place like this that supports the moms? >> it is awesome. it is an amazing place where we can get our laundry done and ea eat. >> reporter: between the anticipation of events, families can grab a bite and taking a financial strain off of the olympic experience. okay. you have to take me to your favorite places. >> okay. let's go. this is where they serve 1,000 meals a day from this kitchen. >> reporter: that is crazy. when you think of the athletes whose parents may not have that much money to come over to expensive london. >> well, it takes care of so many things for families. >> reporter: and relax. >> we have wonderful pillows for the people to lounge and put their feet up like they are in their own living rooms. don't they look comfortable? >> reporter: very comfortable. and some moms like carol balmer's whose daughter is dana

vollmer. and to us she is an olympian, u but to you, she is your daughter. >> yes, my baby. >> reporter: and time to get dolled up. so you are going to get your hair done, right? >> yes. >> reporter: what is it like that you have a place like that that pampers you? >> i have never seen anything like this at all. they have had places for us to go and relax and they have never had anywhere to do our hair and nails, so this is great. >> i like it. >> reporter: there's a man cave for dads. team usa viewing party, and even birthday celebrations. >> it is your birthday. go, usa! >> reporter: some moms come here for fun like kerri walsh jennings' mom. i'm kind of new in television, but something tells me that this could be fun. i'm not sure what it is, but we could take pictures.

what do you think? >> yes, let's go for it. >> reporter: okay. one, two, three, we are olympians. okay. that is hilarious. when you watch her, obviously, you as a mom, you must have driven her to 1,000 volleyball practices and millions maybe. >> yes. >> reporter: and what is it like to see her ultimate dreams come true? >> in our family, it is a partner and team. it is amazing. as long as she wanted it, we would support her in anything that she wanted to do. >> reporter: and here in london a place of support for the families who have given so much. ♪ and the home of the brave >> and both of the girls' moms -- thank you for joining us and knock iing my bracelet off, and both of the girls that we met up with won gold and actually, he is on his way for another american gold, so obviously, is it the moms who really get them there. nbc's daytime coverage is next and you can catch the usa women's soccer match tonight in primetime.

but first your local news. this morning we celebrated with olympians and looked at the heartbreak and memories and we have an experience in london. good thursday morning. i'm laura garcia-cannon. a suspect in a shooting death of an occupy oakland camper last november has been ordered to stand trial. 31-year-old isaac mcdaniels is charged with assault and being an accessory to the beating and shooting death of foster. it happened near the former occupy oakland encampment

outside of city hall. mcdaniels admitted to police he helped to attack foster and gave his gun to the man who shot the 25-year-old oakland man. let's get a look at the forecast. a hot day on tap. >> that's right. it is going to be cooking. temperatures at 102 inland and 86 bay side and 77 at the coast and even warmer as we head through tomorrow! starting to level off saturday into sunday but staying hot. best conditions will be found at the beach. [ male announcer ] olympic tennis players bob and mike bryan

are always on the move. so they can't get to the bank to deposit a check. instead, they use citibank mobile check deposit. it's easy. they just snap a pic... ♪ hit send... and their checks are deposited right to their account. well almost all of their checks. stand back. seriously? [ male announcer ] citibank mobile check deposit. easier banking. every step of the way.

it is over here in london! misty and kerri sweeping olympic gold! >> day 13 at olympic park here in london. the synchronized swimming team competition about to get under way live at the aquatics centre. here are randy moss and heather olson. >> on tuesday russia took yet another medal in the duets and the russians are again heavy favorites in this team competition. princess cate is here to watch eight teams consisting of eight women each perform a technical routine. the scores from today will be

combined with tomorrow's free routine scores to determine the medalists. the order has been selected by random draw and begins with australia which performs to a remix of the beatles' 1968 classic "back in the ussr." heather, we don't have any ukraine girls but we'll see some moscow girls. >> there the first element, two lifts. they've got to be a head-first throw on each. in the duet event, there's only one other person to rely on and to match. in the team, it's so much more difficult to get people on the same count at the same time. this is where the hours of practice factor in. australia not one of the higher ranked teams here. another required element. each