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With the Olympics officially coming to an end, I have decided to recap my favorite Olympic moments of 2012. While London was filled with spectacular events over the past few weeks, three moments stuck out to me as truly unforgettable.
Three: US Swimming Domination
The United States women were absolutely spectacular in the pool throughout the Olympic games. Rebecca Soni won the gold medal in the 200-meter breaststroke and broke a world record along the way, becoming the first woman ever to record a time less than two minutes and twenty seconds. Soni also added a silver medal in the 100-meter breaststroke and a gold in the 4×100 meter medley relay.
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Dana Vollmer added to the women’s fantastic Olympic games as she set a world record while collecting the gold medal in the 100-meter butterfly. She also won two gold medals in medley relays. Possibly America’s favorite female swimmer was 17-year-old Missy Franklin. Franklin’s fun personality won over the hearts of everybody watching from their couch, but that wasn’t the only thing Franklin won in London – she accumulated a remarkable five gold medals.
Despite the underachievement from Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps was able to steal the show for the second straight Olympics. After a disappointing fourth place finish in his first medal race, Phelps had the country a bit concerned that there wasn’t enough left in the tank. Needless to say six medals later we were all believers again. In what he claims to be his final Olympics ever, Phelps went out on a high note (no pun intended) by becoming the most decorated Olympian ever with 22 medals.
Two: US Men’s Basketball Gold Medal
Coming in to the 2012 Olympics, the US Men’s Basketball team had perhaps a bigger target on their back than any team, in any sport in Olympic history. How did they respond: with perfection. Never at any point in any game were they in the danger of losing. Reigning NBA MVP LeBron James was able to lead the team during their run by elevating his game whenever he needed to. Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony were also huge contributors as Kevin Durant set a record for most points scored in an Olympics. Carmelo Anthony set the single game Olympic record for points with 37 against Nigeria. However, you knew there couldn’t be a discussion about United States basketball without the name Kobe Bryant. Bryant started off the Olympics slow, as many predicted he was saving himself for the later games. Whatever he did worked; Bryant scored 20 points in the second half of their quarterfinal game against Australia when the team needed it. He rounded out his final Olympics with 17 points in the gold medal victory over Spain.
Could this team beat the “Dream Team”? Unfortunately, there will never be a sure answer to that question. What we do know is that this 2012 US Men’s basketball team could not have put on a much better show than they did in London. Not only did they win, but won in style. From their electrifying dunks, to their three point shooting, to the 83-point beat down they issued on Nigeria, this team definitely did not come up short of expectations.
One: US Women’s Gymnastics Gold Medal
Yes I did it, I ranked the Women’s Gymnastics team ahead of the Men’s basketball team. The reason: significance. United States had not won the all-around gold medal in women’s team gymnastics since the 1996 Olympic games in Atlanta. The fab five of 2012 made sure that the streak ended in London. Not only was I impressed with what they did, but rather how they did it.
Just two days prior to the all-around team competition we watched Jordyn Wieber, the favorite for the all-around individual gold medal, have her dreams crushed by Olympic rules. Wieber placed fourth overall in individual qualifying for the all-around competition, while twenty-four are able to reach the individual finals. However, according to Olympic rules only two gymnasts per team are eligible to compete in the competition, and Wieber’s fourth place finish left her third on the US team behind Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman. Wieber, at the age of 17, was able to display poise beyond her years as she put the technicality from two nights before behind her, delivering a great performance in the women’s team competition. The gold medal was sealed by the floor routine of Aly Raisman and the United States was finally able to regain the top spot on the podium.
Throughout the Olympics, all members of the team rose to the occasion. During the team competition, McKayla Maroney delivered what is considered to be one of the greatest vaults of all-time. Gabby Douglas is most notable for winning the all-around individual gold medal, becoming just the fourth American ever to do so. Last but not least, my personal favorite, Aly Raisman. Raisman was the Scottie Pippen of the team, dependable in all areas. She is most recognized for her individual gold medal in the floor routine. The routine was nearly flawless and was a perfect way to end the fab five’s run in London.
