Another Olympics have come and gone and it seems to have passed with a blink of an eye. It was an impressive and monumental Games for the Americans with several athletes cementing themselves as the greatest in their sport throughout the world, and in certain scenarios, of all time.
The United States came in with 104 total medals, 46 of them gold. Next, was China with 88 total medals and 38 gold medals. The host country, Great Britain had 65 total medals and 29 gold.
Let’s take a look back on some of the most memorable moments for the United States in the 2012 London Olympics.
US Women’s Soccer Wins Gold
After a devastating loss in the 2011 FIFA World Cup against Japan, the US Women came out motivated for the fierce Olympic competition and ready for redemption. Anchored by Hope Solo in the net and Abby Wambach at forward, the American women trudged through the tumultuous tournament, finally beating Japan in the gold medal match, 2-1.
Third Straight Gold for Beach Volleyball
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings returned to the Games this year for their third straight gold and met more adversity than in previous years. With a lower seed than they’re used to, the over-30 pair embraced their underdog status and plowed through the of the tournament, only losing one set of 43 in their Olympic careers.
Women’s Gymnastics Won Hearts and Gold
The five girls on the US Gymnastics team, “The Fierce Five,” (pictured above) were determined to redeem themselves from their emotional bronze finish in Beijing four years ago. They sealed their victory during the floor competition when they capitalized on Russia’s falls. With their emotions on their sleeves, the five captured American’s hearts for the first time since the “Magnificent Seven” won gold in 1996.
World Record in 4x100m Women’s Medley Relay
With US swimming high hopes as the backdrop, the medley team of Allison Schmitt, Rebecca Soni, Missy Franklin, and Dana Vollmer not only shattered the work record in the 4x100m relay, but each participant medaled on their own individual races.
Michael Phelps Emerges as the Most Decorated Olympic Athlete, Ever.
18 gold medals, 22 overall medals – are you kidding me?! Michael Phelps, love him or hate him, this Baltimore native became, arguably, The Greatest Olympian during the London Games. He is certainly the greatest swimmer of all time and due to his astounding number of gold medals, it’s simply impossible for any non-swimmer Olympian to surpass.