Fever Pitch
The U.S. women's soccer team avenged its World Cup loss to Japan and won its third consecutive gold medal on the strength of two goals from veteran midfielder Carli Lloyd.
That's a Wrap
Following in the esteemed footsteps of American Olympians like Bruce Jenner, Dan O'Brien and Bryan Clay, Ashton Eaton, 24, dominated the decathlon.
Bolt From the Blue
Usain Bolt became the only male Olympian to successfully defend gold medals in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes—and boy does the self-proclaimed legend know it!
Life's a Beach
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings remained undefeated in their Olympic careers, winning their third straight beach volleyball gold medal against fellow Americans April Ross and Jennifer Kessy.
Wheaties-Bound?
Making his Olympics debut, 24-year-old Ashton Eaton of Oregon led the decathlon field after winning the long jump and 100- and 400-meter races. Only shot put, pole vault, javelin, 110-meter hurdles and 1,500 meters to go!
Yeah, That Looks About Right
LeBron James finished with 11 points in Team USA's 119-86 manhandling of Australia in their quarterfinal matchup.
Beaming With Pride
Aly Raisman not only conquered her demons by winning gold in the women's floor exercise final—she also claimed the balance-beam bronze after appealing her initial fourth-place finish, resulting in more points for her routine's level of difficulty.
Team USA Showdown
April Ross and Jennifer Kessy proved that there's room for more than two beach volleyball stars in this country by setting up an all-American final versus Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings.
Proving Herself
Australia's Sally Pearson won the gold but Lolo Jones, whose model looks and extracurricular activities (or lack there of, wink) overshadowed her athleticism heading into these Olympics, finished a respectable fourth in the 100-meter hurdles. Fellow Americans Dawn Wells and Kellie Harper took silver and bronze.
Goal!
Team USA celebrates after outlasting Canada in a 4-3 overtime nail-biter.
Getting Kobe's Back
Kobe Bryant looks to pass during Team USA's 126-97 victory over Argentina, led by Kevin Durant's 28 points. The U.S. went undefeated in pool play and move on to a quarterfinal game against Australia.
Oh No, Silver!
World champion McKayla Maroney of the USA, whose vault score in the team final was the highest of the day, came up short after her second vault in the apparatus final ended like this.
Sky-High Victory
American pole vaulter Jennifer Suhr beat out two-time defending Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia for the gold. Isinbayeva settled for bronze.
Not Just Tweddling Her Thumbs
In a final that saw all-around champ Gabby Douglas come in last, Britain's Beth Tweddle won bronze on the uneven bars, four years after just barely missing the podium in Beijing made her consider retirement. Russia's Aliya Mustafina won gold.
Bolt of Lightning
Jamaica's Usain Bolt won the 100-meter dash to retain his unofficial "fastest man in the world" title. He and American Carl Lewis are the only athletes to win back to back gold in the event.
Sister Act
Venus and Serena Williams won their third gold medal in doubles, just hours after Serena became the first tennis player to ever win all four Grand Slams, plus Olympic gold in doubles and singles.
Michael Phelps Stands Alone
The most dominant swimmer in Olympic history separated himself even further from the pack in winning his third straight gold in the 100-meter butterfly—his 21st Olympic medal and 17th gold.
Heels Over Head
The U.S. women's team continued to convincingly push for a gymnastics-soccer hybrid event as they celebrated their 2-0 knockout win over New Zealand with a series of cartwheels.

