15 Greatest 2012 Olympic Moments thus far
#15 In Record Time
Water Polo is an intense sport, especially on the Olympic level, and in London 19-year-old Maggie Steffens churned out a dramatic win by setting a record-tying seven goals for USA in a 14-13 win over Hungary.
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15:
In Record Time
Water Polo is an intense sport, especially on the Olympic level, and in London 19-year-old Maggie Steffens churned out a dramatic win by setting a record-tying seven goals for USA in a 14-13 win over Hungary.
14:
Cross-Country Crash
Though equestrian sports are often overlooked at the Olympics, this year made a difference, but in a negative way. During the cross-country portion of the competition, several crashes took place among riders, leaving very few clean runs.
13:
A Golden Night
Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas made history in London becoming Team USA's third consecutive all-around champ and the first African-American to win the competition in the history of the sport.
12:
Friend Or Foe?
While Michael Phelps finished a disappointing 4th in the 400m IM to start the London Olympics, USA teammate Ryan Lochte grabbed gold putting on one of the fastest end laps in the event.
11:
Seeing Double
Wearing her trademark bright pink swimsuit, Rebecca Soni broke her own world record twice during the Olympics setting the final mark of 2:19:59 in the 200m final, eluding the 2:20:00 goal in breaststroke competition.
10:
A Golden Lining
Becoming the first competitor ever to be at the top for USA in the event, Kayla Harrison took gold in the Women's 78kg Judo Final with a 2-0 victory over Britain's Gemma Gibbons.
9:
Five For Five
An unknown feat, the United States' Kimberly Rhode equalled a world record shooting 99 out of 100 clays en route to a gold medal. And not just any gold medal - her fifth straight in the same event.
8:
Taking It To The Field
What's being called the best soccer match in both the Men's and Women's competition, the USA v.s. Canada Women's Semi-Final was a flat-out war. Christine Sinclair scored all three goals for Canada until Megan Rapinoe countered to tie the game and help the United States eventually win in extra time.
7:
The Phenom Who Shocked The World
Who said swimming wasn't exciting? Virtually unknown to sports fans, 16-year-old Ye Shiwen did the improbable and set a world record in the 400m. Her time was 4:28:43, where the last 50m was faster than USA's Ryan Lochte's time in the same event.
6:
Double Win
Though he didn't make the final, Oscar Pistorius made history becoming the first double-amputee runner to compete at the Olympic Games. An influential figure, the South African native competed and reached the semi-final of the Men's 400m.
5:
Murray Wins In England
After losing to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon Championship Final earlier this year, tennis pro Andy Murray beat his rival in straight sets and brought home the gold for England for the first time since 1988.
4:
Missy Sweeps Them All
In her Olympic debut, 17-year-old Missy Franklin not only won one gold medal, but she cleared out every single backstroke event in London. In total, she earned four gold medals and one bronze while setting two world records.
3:
Near Perfection
Though she only landed a score of 16.233, McKayla Maroney's near-perfect vault sent shockwaves in the gymnastics world, giving USA its first Olympic gold medal in the event since 1996. It's contribution to the Internet? The priceless look on one of the judges as Maroney landed.
2:
A Bolt Of Lightning
Onlookers hesistated when the Men's 100m final was on the horizon claiming other sprinters would take the gold medal but Usain Bolt did the unpredictable. He set an Olympic Record of 9.63s in the final, successfully defending his gold medal from 2008.
1:
Swimming Into History
After a slow start to London - which was partially blamed for his lack of training before the Olympics - Phelps swam back into contention and passed gymnast Larissa Latynina to grab his 19th medal during the 4x200m relay. Overall, the U.S. great has 22 medals (18 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze).
