It was another Olympics filled with gold for the United States. USA won the overall medal count at the 2012 Games, netting 104 medals including 46 golds.
USA swimming dominated with Michael Phelps getting six medals including his record-setting 22 overall medals and 18 golds. Additionally, swimmers Missy Franklin, Allison Schmidt and Ryan Lochte all won five medals.
Other noisemakers for the US at the Olympics were the women’s gymnastics team, which took gold in team competition for the first time since 1996.
Individually, Gabby Douglas was the golden girl for the US, winning the all-around individual competition in women’s gymnastics.
The men’s basketball team, coached by Mike Krzyzewski, won their second straight gold medal by defeating Spain in the gold medal game. The team featured NBA stars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.
Also the women’s soccer team won gold against Japan in a rematch of the women’s World Cup final from summer 2011, holding off a late rally for a 2-1 win.
That was only possible after a miraculous victory in extra time against Canada in a see-saw battle.
The United States went back-and-forth with Canada deep into extra time before a header by Alex Morgan found its way into the net.
Carli Lloyd scored both goals for the United States in the gold-medal game. Japan’s hard charge in the final minutes was denied by goalkeeper Hope Solo.
The United States finished with 16 more medals than second-place China, including eight more gold medals. Russia finished a close third to China with 82 medals. Host nation Great Britain finished in third place with 65 medals and 29 golds.
