The story of the Olympics so far has come from the pool. While many people predicted that Lochte or Phelps would be the number one story it is actually been Yannick Agnel of France. He has won 2 Gold Medals and both with outstanding performances.
His anchor leg in the 4X100 Free was the fastest split in the entire race and he overtook Lochte on the final 50 to get the Gold for France. It is ironic that last Olympics in the same race USA won Gold when Jason Lezak out touched the French team. This was probably the highlight of the 2008 Beijing Games as it kept Phelps streak alive and provided a photo finish that only a swimming or track & field race could provide.
His other race, which was today, was the 200 Free where he completely demolished the field. It really wasn't even close. It is hard to imagine beating this guy in a race as he is 6'8" and has such a fluid stroke. I am guessing we will be seeing him again in the 100 Free and the 4X200 Free Relay.
The other stories from the pool have been on the women's side with teenage phenoms winning Gold Medals. Missy Franklin (USA) won her first Gold Medal today in the 100 Back after an impressive closing 50. She did that minutes after swimming a semifinal for another event which makes it even more impressive. By the way she advanced to the final in the other event. Only 17, Franklin has a promising future ahead of her both in and outside the pool. She has made it clear that she will be attending college. With her skills she will definitely be able to go wherever she wants!
Another incredible story is that of Ye Shiwen (China) who has turned in the most dominating performance of any Olympian in the pool. She crushed the World Record in the 400 IM and the remarkable part about it you ask? Her last 50 m was FASTER than Lochte who won the Men's 400 IM. There is controversy around her though and allegations of doping. I hope for her sake they are not true, and if she does not test positive what a story it would be! Here is a NYTimes article with more information.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/31/sports/olympics/doping-scandals-cast-a-shadow-over-swimmers-success.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
If there is one moment I will remember from this Olympics for the rest of my life it will be watching the Medal Ceremony after Ruta Meilutyte (Lithuania) won the Gold Medal in the 100m Breast. Just a little background about Meilutyte got there. She is only 15 years old and her performance really came out of nowhere. She set an record in her prelim race which had everyone wondering who is this girl. Next she proved it wasn't a fluke by winning the semifinal, and finally she beat the decorated and favored Rebecca Soni (USA) in the final. Her Gold Medal also represented the first Gold Medal ever earned in the sport of swimming for Lithuania. While walking to the podium you could see the emotions on her face because she knew how historic her victory really was. She fought back tears to no avail as they called her name and started playing the Lithuanian National Anthem. For someone that young to accomplish something this historic is rare and you knew that every person back in Lithuania was glowing with pride. There is something about a national anthem and the emotions it displays that I cannot explain. Even though I didn't know the language I was transfixed watching knowing what this meant to Lithuania. It is simply put just a magical moment that only the Olympics can produce!
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