We have watched him for three summer Olympic games now. 2004. 2008. 2012. He intrigued us with his determination and drive. His ability to work hard to attain a goal was unmatched. And that wingspan. To. Die. For. With each race he became more famous and more golden. This was his farewell tour. His finale to a fabulous career. And he didn't disappoint. Final medal count. 22. Most decorated athlete in Olympic History. The end of an era.
Enter Missy Franklin. 2012 is her first Olympic games. Her winning smile was almost as intriguing as her winning strokes. And win she did, taking home 5 medals to start her collection. Watch for her again in Brazil. And four more years after that. She just may give the golden boy a run for his medal count.
Nathan Adrian. Three for three. No pressure to beat the best. No pressure to break any records. Just the challenge to swim and win. And he did.
Win. Three. Times. You can't beat that for a week's worth of pool time.
Rivalry makes the best companion and Ryan Lochte has thrived on friendly competition with Mr. Phelps for a long time. This was his year to make headlines. He suggested "Lochte Takes Over!" Well, in life you win some and you lose some, and Lochte was no exception, winning against Phelps in one race, losing to his friend in another, but still bringing home 5 medals, some of them shinier than others. It's hard to compete with that grill.
And last, but not least, how about those relays? There's something about teamwork that gets to me EVERY time. When you put the best of the best together, you can't help but come out on top. Once again, Team USA did not disappoint. Gold. Gold. Silver. Not too shabby.
In the spirit of winning, I echo these words. Thank you London. Thank you very much.
Afterall, What do we do? WE SWIM!
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