August 13, 2012

  1. David Boudia - 10m Platform Gold

Why: This guy turned into another diver during the semis and finals. Put the Chinese under pressure and found the path to victory. 

  1. Nathan Adrian - 100m Freestyle Gold

Why: 0.01 seconds, that’s why.

  1. McKayla Maroney - Team Gymnastics Vault 

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.

  1. David Rudisha - Men’s 800m 

Why: Shattered the World Record, superb 400-600m surge.

  1. Ashton Eaton - Decathalon

Why: Versatility and consistency, this event remains the greatest test for higher, faster and stronger. 

  1. Oscar Pistorius & Kirani James Tag Exchange

Why: Class act from Kirani, a fitting farewell to Pistorius. 

  1. Yannick Agnel - France Mens 4x100 Freestyle Relay

Why: This guy was in another universe for Freestyle legs. Astounding speed. He was also classy, accepting victory and defeat with equal grace. 

  1. Ye Shiwen & Katie Ledecky

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. 

  1. Jamaican Men’s 4x100 Relay Team - 36.84

Why: Because four guys averaged 9.21 secs/100m for the first time in history.  

  1. Michael Phelps - 100m Butterfly (17th Gold)

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. 




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