LONDON (August 9, 2012)--U.S. middleweight Claressa Shields won the Olympic gold medal Thursday, capping a swift rise to the top of women's boxing with a 19-12 victory over Russia's Nadezda Torlopova.

Shields, 17, shuffled, danced and slugged her way past her 33-year-old opponent, showing off the free-spirited style and brute strength that made her unbeatable at the London Games.

Shields even stuck her tongue out at Torlopova after ducking a few punches in the final round.

The teenager won the 12-member American team's only gold medal in London.

The U.S. mean’s team failed to win any medals for the first time and flyweight Marlen Esparza won a bronze.

Shields has been on the international boxing scene for less than two years, but the Flint, Mich., native is among its fastest-rising stars.

She lost early in the world championships, but still qualified for the Olympics.