The 2012 London Olympics are underway and from the opening ceremony to the start of athletic events, there have already been epic victories, defeats and memories.
There was no gold for Michael Phelps in two events while up-and-coming swimmer Ryan Lochte has been crushing the competition. On Saturday, viewers were stunned to see Michael Phelps finish without a medal during the 400 individual medley. However, during the 4×100-meter relay, Phelps maintained the lead for Lochte, who was the anchor, but fell short in the end. Team USA got the silver medal.
Lochte has been showing off some precious metals, from gold around his neck and a studded grill in his mouth. He added a patriotic touch to the grill with the design of the American flag.
Michelle Obama has been representing our country at the Olympics and we saw a touching interaction between her and Team USA over the weekend. She gave the basketball players a warm embrace after they won their game against France, 98-71.
Now, this is the first time that more women than men are going to the Olympics and our athletic ladies are representing us well.
Dana Vollmer is one great example, an American swimmer who broke the 100m butterfly world record Saturday night after finishing in a time of 55.98 seconds. She’s mentioned she lost a swim cap mid-race but it was possibly a good distraction, keeping her thoughts off any pain or competition.
Another possible world record in the making is Natalie Coughlin. Sports media has been reporting that the 4×100-meter freestyle relay would be her only race in London. However, Coughlin told Matt Lauer that there is a chance she could swim another race. So far, she has tied the record for most medals of any female Olympian in U.S. history with a bronze on Saturday. With a 13th medal, she’d set a new record.
A sad sight at the Olympics was when 17-year-old USA gymnast Jordyn Wieber did not place in the finals. Wieber was a heavy favorite for the Olympic gold but now doesn’t even get to contend for the all-around title after finishing behind teammates Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas. Countries are limited to two gymnasts in the all-around and event finals. It was a stunner for the famed gymnast who had lost only two all-around competitions since 2008, both to fellow Americans.
Cameras caught Wieber in tears, so upset that she could not speak to reporters. Her emotions are understandable and it was uplifting to see her able to pull through and congratulate teammates Raisman and Douglas. Wieber recently posted on Twitter: “Thank you all for your love and support. I am so proud of our team today and I can’t wait for team finals!!”
This was just the first weekend for the Olympics and there’s plenty more surprises, tears, and accomplishments to come. So far, the United States has racked up 11 medals (three gold, five silver and three bronze), taking the runner-up position to China, who currently has 12 medals.
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