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Belatedly, Russia got into gear.

The perennial sporting power woke up from lethargy by sweeping five gold medals in the Olympic Games on Aug.25th. If it steams along, the world's largest country is expected to make it to the top three although it may be too late to catch up with China.

Russia, which overtook China in the last days in the 2000 Games for being second overall after the United States, now places fifth, certain to go ahead of Japan (15 golds in 4th) and Australia (16, 3rd) but unlikely to beat the United States (25, 1st) and China (24, 2nd).

A daily haul of five golds was the largest for Russia since the full-day competition kicked off on Aug. 14. The second-placers in 1996 and 2000 managed only six golds in the first 10 days and added three on 24th.

Then came the day of Russia.

Olga Kuzenkova capped the day by winning the women's hammer throw at midnight with the last throw of 75.02 meters, beating Cubans Yipsi Moreno (73.36) and Yunaika Crawford (73.16).

World champions Anastasia Davydova and Anastasia Yermakova scored eight perfect 10s on their way to winning the synchronized swimming duet event.

The 21-year-old Russians led all three rounds to force Japan's Miya Tachibana and Miho Takeda into second place again after the 2000 Games and the world championships last year.

The Russians scored 99.334 points against 98.417 by the Japanese.

The U.S. pair of Alison Bartosik and Anna Kozlova took the bronze with 96.918.

Russia bagged two titles in men's Greco-Roman wrestling as Alexei Michine triumphed in the 84kg class and Khasan Baroev won the 120kg.

Hungary's Istvan Majoros and Farid Mansurov of Azerbaijan won the 55kg and 66kg wrestling respectively.

Russian cyclist Olga Slyusareva won women's points race with 20points, ahead of Belem Guerrero of Mexico and Maria Luisa Calle Williams of Colombia.

Editor: Lu Ziqing