Why: This guy turned into another diver during the semis and finals. Put the Chinese under pressure and found the path to victory.
Why: 0.01 seconds, that’s why.
Why: Nothing else in gymnastics comes close to what this lady can do on the vault. The delta between her and the rest is astounding.
Why: Shattered the World Record, superb 400-600m surge.
Why: Versatility and consistency, this event remains the greatest test for higher, faster and stronger.
Why: Class act from Kirani, a fitting farewell to Pistorius.
Why: This guy was in another universe for Freestyle legs. Astounding speed. He was also classy, accepting victory and defeat with equal grace.
Why: Two unreal young swimmers, one unfairly ridiculed and smeared. I think we’ll be hearing a ton from both of them in the future.
Why: Because four guys averaged 9.21 secs/100m for the first time in history.
Why: Because even though this was not a perfect race for Michael, he found enough in the final 50m to overhaul his competition (Cavic) and get the Gold. A lot of that had to do with the intimidating time (50.86) he set in the semis. I don’t think there was anyone one in that pool who actually believed they could beat him. That makes this race the closest in tone to his 2008 exploits.