2012 Year in Review: Top 5 Olympic moments

Every four years, a city steps forth to host the world in the Summer Olympic Games, and this year, London did not disappoint. Triumph, heartbreak, legendary victory, scandal … as always, every story gets magnified when viewed through an Olympic prism. These were five of the Games' most notable moments, ones we'll remember years from now when we think of these Olympics. And we were all very impressed. – Jay Busbee

1 - 5 of 5

1 - 5 of 5

3 of 5 photos

3. Michael Phelps sets the record – Pools aren't really set up for victory laps, but no swimmer ever deserved to take one more than Phelps. He won four gold medals, tied for most overall at the Games, and six overall to give him 22 total Olympic medals, 18 gold, over three Games. That makes him the most decorated Olympian ever; Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina had 18 in the mid-20th century. Phelps won the 100m butterfly, 200m medley, 800m ... more
3. Michael Phelps sets the record – Pools aren't really set up for victory laps, but no swimmer ever deserved to take one more than Phelps. He won four gold medals, tied for most overall at the Games, and six overall to give him 22 total Olympic medals, 18 gold, over three Games. That makes him the most decorated Olympian ever; Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina had 18 in the mid-20th century. Phelps won the 100m butterfly, 200m medley, 800m freestyle relay and 400m medley relays. He continues to insist that London was his Olympic swan song; if so, it was a fine way to go out. less