Choosing a sporting highlight of 2012 is akin to a child agonising over which confectionary they can have in a sweet shop. We were treated to an enthralling Premier League finale, a nerve-shredding Champions League final, the miracle at Medinah in the Ryder Cup and Andy Murray ending Britain's 76-year wait for a singles Grand Slam. But all of those events were dwarfed by the 30th Olympiad, London 2012.
For just over a fortnight many Brits could forget about their own worries and seek escapism via the 24/7 coverage of the Olympics. Whether you were in the office, in the car, in the park or at the venue, sports you never watched - let alone cared about - suddenly transfixed you.
All the stars are coming out tonight
Hardened cynics were, temporarily at least, softened by the good vibrations which reverberated around the country. It may be shamelessly jingoistic but that Britain was hosting its first Games since 1948 inevitably made the interest tenfold.
Transport inconveniences were scarce, Brits took a hiatus from their queuing pastime and strangers actually spoke to one another in public out of courtesy, rather than moaning about their music being on too loud.
Best Of 2012 Olympics In Pictures
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Andrea Baldini of Italy reacts after his match against Alexey Cheremisinov of Russia during men's individual foil fencing at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 31, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (credit:AP)
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Russian gymnasts and team officials react as teammate Kseniia Afanaseva falls while performing on the floor during the Artistic Gymnastics women's team final at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 31, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:AP)
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South Africa's Chad le Clos reacts as he wins gold in the men's 200-meter butterfly swimming final at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Tuesday, July 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) (credit:AP)
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Great Britain's Heather Stanning and Helen Glover celebrate after winning the gold medal for the women's rowing pair in Eton Dorney, near Windsor, England, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) (credit:AP)
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Yuri Alvear, of Colombia, reacts after defeating Chen Fei of China, to win the bronze medal during the women's 70-kg judo competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (credit:AP)
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Members of the U.S. women's eight team embraces coxswain Mary Whipple after winning the gold medal in Eton Dorney, near Windsor, England, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) (credit:AP)
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Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates Tagir Khaibulaev of Russia after he beat Tuvshinbayar Naidan of Mongolia to win the gold medal during the men's 100-kg judo competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (credit:AP)
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Judges watch the trampoline performance of gold medallist Dong Dong of China at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) (credit:AP)
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Andy Murray, right, of Great Britain, is congratulated by Novak Djokovic of Serbia after Murray won their semifinal round men's singles match at the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon, in London, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Jessica Ennis lands a jump during the long jump heptathlon during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) (credit:AP)
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Great Britain's Peter Kirkbride reacts after clearing a weight during the men's 94-kg weightlifting competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (credit:AP)
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Great Britain's Katherine Copeland cries during the award ceremony for the lightweight women's rowing double sculls after winning the gold medal in Eton Dorney, near Windsor, England, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) (credit:AP)
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Jamaica's Usain Bolt gestures before competing in a men's 100-meter heat during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Jessica Ennis celebrates winning gold following the 800-meter heptathlon as she and other athletes complete a victory lap during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (credit:AP)
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From left to right, Susie Scanlan, Kelley Hurley, Courtney Hurley and Maya Lawrence of the United States celebrate their victory at the end of the women's eppe team bronze medal fencing competition against Russia at the ExCel Centre at the 2012 Summer Olympics on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, in London. (AP PhotoDamir Sagolj, Pool) (credit:AP)
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Gold medal winner, Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, left, crosses the finish line ahead of silver medal winner United States' Carmelita Jeter during the women's 100-meter final during athletics competition in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012, in London.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (credit:AP)
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Britain's Andy Murray celebrates after defeating Switzerland's Roger Federer to win the men's singles gold medal match at the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon, in London, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) (credit:AP)
Victoria Brown(18 of164)
Goalkeeper Victoria Brown of Australia, left, reacts with teammates after they tied the score 13-13 during their women's water polo quarterfinal match against China at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, in London. The teams tied 14-14 at end of regulation before heading into extra time. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (credit:AP)
Serena Williams, Venus Williams,(19 of164)
Serena Williams, left, and Venus Williams of the United States laugh together on the podium after receiving their gold medals in women's doubles at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, London at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) (credit:AP)
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China's Liu Xiangrong takes a thrown a women's shot put qualification round during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Monday, Aug. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:AP)
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United States' Sanya Richards-Ross, left, is embraced by United States' Deedee Trotter after she won gold in the women's 400-meter final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (credit:AP)
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Britain men's water polo players react to a goal by Glen Robinson during a preliminary men's water polo match against Montenegro at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 6, 2012, in London. Hungary won 11-6. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (credit:AP)
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Russia's Evgeniia Kolodko reacts after taking her final throw to win bronze in the women's shot put final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Monday, Aug. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:AP)
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Michael Conlan of Ireland, left, and Nordine Oubaali of France, react after their men's quarterfinal flyweight 52-kg boxing match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev) (credit:AP)
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Japan's players celebrate winning their classification hockey match against South Africa at the Riverside Arena at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (credit:AP)
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Germany's Ariane Friedrich reacts after clearing the bar in a women's high jump qualification round during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (credit:AP)
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Germany's Peter Kretschmer and Kurt Kuschela celebrate after winning the gold in the medal men's kayak double 1000m in Eton Dorney, near Windsor, England, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Armando Franca,Pool) (credit:AP)
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Saori Yoshida of Japan celebrates after she beat Tonya Lynn Verbeek of Canada for the gold medal during their 55-kg women's freestyle wrestling competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (credit:AP)
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Jamaica's Usain Bolt, center, is embraced by his mother Jennifer, center left, after he won gold in the men's 200-meter final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (credit:AP)
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Australia's crew Mathew Belcher and Malcolm Page, foreground, celebrate after winning the gold medal of the 470 men's class sailing competition at the London 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, in Weymouth and Portland, England. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) (credit:AP)
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United States' Carmelita Jeter reacts as she crosses the finish line to win the women's 4 x 100-meter relay during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Friday, Aug. 10, 2012. The United States relay team set a new world record with a time of 40.82 seconds.(AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus) (credit:AP)
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Ethiopia's Meseret Defar reacts as she crosses the finish line to win the 5000-meter final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Friday, Aug. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus) (credit:AP)
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Argentina's Luciana-Aymar, bottom, looks on as Netherlands hockey players celebrate their win in a women's hockey gold medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Friday, Aug. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (credit:AP)
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South Korea's head coach Hong Myung-bo is hoisted up by his players after the team won their men's soccer bronze medal match against Japan in Cardiff, Wales, at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) (credit:AP)
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Julie Bresset (4), of France, approaches the finish line to with the gold medal in the Mountain Bike Cycling women's race, at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at Hadleigh Farm, in Essex, England. Bresset dominated the picturesque course at Hadleigh Farm on Saturday to win the mountain bike gold medal in her first Olympics.(AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (credit:AP)
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Bronze medallist Belarus' Liubou Charkashyna cries after a performance during the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around final at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) (credit:AP)
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Australia's Elizabeth Cambage jams her finger into the eye of Russia's Natalya Vodopyanova while defending a drive to the basket during a women's bronze medal basketball game at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (credit:AP)
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Hwang Woojin, of South Korea, and his horse Shearwater Oscar, fall down after the horse bucked after the starting bell sounded to start their run in the equestrian show jumping stage of the men's modern pentathlon at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/David Goldman) (credit:AP)
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Jamaica's Usain Bolt, right, crosses the finish line ahead of Ryan Bailey of the United States in the men's 4x100-meter relay final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012. Jamaica set a new world record with a time of 36.84 seconds. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:AP)
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Luke Campbell of Great Britain, celebrates winning his fight against John Joe Nevin of Ireland, after their bantamweight 56-kg gold medal boxing match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev) (credit:AP)
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Spain's Marc Gasol and United States' LeBron James battle for a loose ball during the men's gold medal basketball game at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (credit:AP)
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Cuba's Robeisy Ramirez Carrazana reacts after being declared the winner over Mongolia's Tugstsogt Nyambayar in their flyweight 52-kg gold medal boxing match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) (credit:AP)
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Uganda's Stephen Kiprotich celebrates after crossing the finish line to win gold in the men's marathon at the 2012 Summer Olympics Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012 in London. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus) (credit:AP)
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Germany's Moritz Fuerste, left, celebrates his team's 2-1 win against the Netherlands in the men's field hockey gold medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, in London, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (credit:AP)
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Bronze medalist Thomas Daley from Britain celebrates after the men's 10-meter platform diving final at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) (credit:AP)
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The team from Belarus performs during the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around final at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) (credit:AP)
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File - United States' Aries Merritt, left, crosses the finish line in the men's 110-meter hurdles final to win gold ahead of Jamaica's Hansle Parchment during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, in this Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012 file photo. Olympic hurdles champion Merritt is facing some of his toughest competition at the IAAF's 100th anniversary gala. Three months after winning the 110-meter hurdles at the London Games, Merritt will be up against Usain Bolt and 800-meter gold medalist David Rudisha for the IAAF's World Athlete of the Year award. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, file) (credit:AP)
Sport - Christmas Package 2012(48 of164)
File photo dated 06/09/12 of Great Britain's Jonnie Peacock celebrates after winning gold in the Men's 100m - T44 Final. (credit:PA)
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File photo dated 03/08/2012 of Great Britain's Katherine Grainger (left) and Anna Watkins celebrating winning gold in the women's double sculls. (credit:PA)
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File photo dated 05/08/12 of Great Britain's Andy Murray after winning the Olympic Gold Medal in the Fina of thel Men's Singles. (credit:PA)
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File photo dated 07/08/12 of Great Britain's Sir Chris Hoy becomes emotional as he celebrates winning Gold in the Men's Keirin Final. (credit:PA)
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File photo dated 04/08/12 of Great Britain's Jessica Ennis . (credit:PA)
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File photo dated 12/8/2012 of Great Britain's Samantha Murray. (credit:PA)
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File photo dated 02/08/2012 of Great Britain's Gemma Gibbons celebrates beating Mongolia's Lkhamdegd Purevjargal in round of 16 match. (credit:PA)
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File photo dated 12/08/12 of Games Makers at the Olympic Park. (credit:PA)
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FOR USE AS DESIRED, YEAR END PHOTOS - FILE - In this Aug 5, 2012 file photo, South Africa's Oscar Pistorius starts in the men's 400-meter semifinal during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, File) (credit:AP)
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FOR USE AS DESIRED, YEAR END PHOTOS - FILE - In this Aug. 2, 2012 file photo, U.S. gymnast Gabrielle Douglas performs on the balance beam during the artistic gymnastics women's individual all-around competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Douglas won the gold medal. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File) (credit:AP)
PA Picture Review of the Year 2012(58 of164)
File photo dated 05/08/2012 of Great Britain's Ben Ainslie celebrating winning the gold medal in the Finn class at the London 2012 Olympics at Weymouth Bay. (credit:PA)
PA Picture Review of the Year 2012(59 of164)
File photo dated 04/08/12 of Great Britain's Greg Rutherford on in action during the Men's Long Jump at the Olympic Stadium, London, on the eighth day of the London 2012 Olympics. (credit:PA)
PA Picture Review of the Year 2012(60 of164)
File photo dated 03/08/12 of Great Britain's Jessica Ennis celebrating after the Women's Heptathlon 200m at the Olympic Stadium, London, on the seventh day of the London 2012 Olympics. (credit:PA)
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FILE - In this Aug. 4, 2012, file photo, Michael Phelps, of the United States, throws flowers to his mother Debbie after winning gold in the men's 4x100-meter medley swimming relay at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Phelps has added another triumph to his list of accomplishments: The Associated Press male athlete of the year, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012.(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) (credit:AP)
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FILE - In this July 31, 2012, file photo, from left, Conor Dwyer, Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Ricky Berens, all of the United States, pose with their gold medals after their win in the men's 4x200-meter freestyle swimming relay at the Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Phelps has added another triumph to his list of accomplishments: The Associated Press male athlete of the year, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012.(AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa De Olza, File) (credit:AP)
London Olympic Games - Pre-Games competitions - Thurs(63 of164)
The UAE team celebrate the first goal of the game during the UAE v Uruguay, Mens Football, First Round, Group A match at Old Trafford, Manchester. (credit:PA)
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Great Britain's Bradley Wiggins sits on his throne after winning the Men's Individual Time Trial on day five of the London Olympic Games at Hampton Court Palace, London. (credit:PA)
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Jamaica's Usain Bolt celebrates winning the Men's 100m final at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Prince Harry (right) cheers on Great Britain in the Men's Team Sprint as he sits with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during day six of the Olympic Games at the Velodrome, London. (credit:PA)
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Great Britain's Chris Hoy carries the flag during the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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Great Britain's Louis Smith shows emotion after completing his Pommel Horse routine during the Artistic Gymnastics team qualification at the North Greenwich Arena, London, on day one of the London 2012 Olympics. (credit:PA)
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Great Britain's Mo Farah wins the Men's 5000m Final during Day 15 of the London 2012 Olympics at the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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**ALTERNATE CROP** Great Britain's Zac Purchase is comforted by Steve Redgrave as they sit dejected after winning silver in the final of the lightweight men's double sculls at Eton Dorney Rowing Lake, Windsor. (credit:PA)
London Olympic Games - Day 15(71 of164)
Great Britain Mo Farah celebrates with Usain Bolt victory in the Men's 5000m final on day fifteen of the London Olympic Games in the Olympic Stadium, London. (credit:PA)
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A general view of the Olympic Stadium at the Olympic Park on July 24, 2012 in London, England. The opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games will take place on July 27. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
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A general view of the Orbit next to the Olympic Stadium during previews ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Park on July 26, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)
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The Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force aerobatic team fly over the olympic park during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)
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The Red Arrows fly over the Olympic Stadium ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games at the Olympic Park on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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A large Voldemort from the Harry Potter book series looms over performers during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Performers dance in a scene depicting the struggle between life and death during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Rings representing both the Olympics and the Industrial Revolution are lit and lifted during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Morry Gash - IOPP Pool /Getty Images)
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A flock of Mary Poppins descend to the stage during the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in London, England, Friday, July 27, 2012. (David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/MCT via Getty Images)
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General view as fireworks illuminate the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Pool/Getty Images)
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Fireworks go off over the Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
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The Olympic flame burns in the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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General view as fireworks illuminate the sky during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Searchlights over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games on July 27, 2012 in London, England. Athletes, heads of state and dignitaries from around the world have gathered in the Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony of the 30th Olympiad. London plays host to the 2012 Olympic Games which will see 26 sports contested by 10,500 athletes over 17 days of competition. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)
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Performers represent victims of the July 7 bombings during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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Janne Friederike Meyer of Germany riding Lambrasco competes in the 3rd Qualifier of Individual Jumping on Day 10 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park on August 6, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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Henrik Von Eckermann of Sweden riding Allerdings competes in the 3rd Qualifier of Individual Jumping on Day 10 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park on August 6, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Han Soonchul of Korea (L) celebrates his victory over Fazliddin Gaibnazarov of Uzbekistan during the Men's Light (60kg) Boxing on Day 10 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 6, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)
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Daria Iushko and Kseniya Sydorenko of the Ukraine compete in the Women's Duets Synchronised Swimming Free Routine Final on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Silver medallist Nick Dempsey of Great Britain celebrates his children Thomas-Flynn (L) and Oscar (R) following the Men's RS:X Sailing on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Weymouth & Portland Venue at Weymouth Harbour on August 7, 2012 in Weymouth, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Sally Pearson of Australia crosses the line to win gold in the Women's 100m Hurdles Final on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Robert Harting of Germany celebrates winning gold in the Men's Discus Throw Final on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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Michael Conlan of Ireland (L) celebrates his victory over Nordine Oubaali of France during the Men's Fly (52kg) Boxing on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)
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April Ross of the United States and Jennifer Kessy of the United States celebrate after winning match point during the Women's Beach Volleyball Semi Final match between United States and Brazil on Day 11 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Horse Guards Parade August 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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Ashton Eaton of the United States competes in the Men's Decathlon Shot Put on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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Bertrand Gille (center) #6 of France is defended by Raul Entrerrios Rodriguez (L) #9 and Joan Canellas Reixach (R) #21 of Spain during the Men's Quarterfinal match between Spain and France on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at The Basketball Arena on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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Maroi Mezien of Tunisia competes against Isabelle Sambou of Senegal during their Women's Freestyle 48 kg Wrestling match on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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Scott Brash of Great Britain riding Hello Sanctos in the Individual Jumping on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Yulia Koltunova of Russia competes in the Women's 10m Platform Diving Preliminary on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Eloyse Lesueur of France competes in the Women's Long Jump Final on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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Jason Richardson of the United States hugs Carmelita Jeter of the United States after the Men's 110m Hurdles Final on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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Robin Cheong of New Zealand walks out to compete against Hedaya Wahba of Egypt during the Preliminary Round Women's -57kg Taekwondo match on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)
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Darius Draudvila of Lithuania competes during the Men's Decathlon Discus Throw on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Pawel Kopczynski - IOPP Pool /Getty Images)
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Action as the field make their way across a jump in the Men's BMX Cycling Quarter Finals on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at BMX Track on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
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Ophelie Aspord of France leaves the water after the Women's Marathon 10km Swimming at Hyde Park on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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Usain Bolt of Jamaica leads Yohan Blake of Jamaica on his way to winning gold in the Men's 200m Final on Day 13 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 9, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Mathew Belcher (R) and Malcolm Page (L) of Australia celebrate in the Olympic rings after winning gold in the Men's 470 Sailing on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Weymouth & Portland Venue at Weymouth Harbour on August 10, 2012 in Weymouth, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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Ashraf Aliyev of Azerbaijan (R) competes with Sohsuke Takatani of Japan during their Men's Freestyle 74 kg Wrestling qualification bout on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 10, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)
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A man and boy have their photograph taken as the sun sets behind the Olympic rings on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on August 10, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
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Bjorn Otto of Germany competes in the Men's Pole Vault Final on Day 14 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 10, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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German Sanchez Sanchez of Mexico competes in the Men's 10m Platform Diving Semifinal on Day 15 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 11, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
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A race walker competes during the Women's 20km Walk final on Day 15 of the London 2012 Olympic Games on the streets of London on August 11, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Feng Li/Getty Images)
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Michael Phelps of the United States competes in the Final of the Men's 400m Individual Medley on Day One of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Heather Watson and Laura Robson of Great Britain play against Sabine Lisicki and Angelique Kerber of Germany on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Valentina Vezzali of Italy competes against Arianna Errigo of Italy during their Women's Foil Individual Fencing Semi Final match on day one of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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Cate Campbell of Australia celebrates with her teammates after they won the Final of the Women's 4x100m Freestyle Relay on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Queen Elizabeth II watches the morning session of the swimming at the Aquatics Centre during a tour of the Olympic Park on day one of the London 2012 Olympics Games on July 28, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Martin Rickett/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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Diego Occhiuzzi (R) of Italy reacts while competing against Rares Dumitrescu of Romania during their Men's Sabre Individual semifinal match on Day 2 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)
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Ashleigh Brennan of Australia competes on the beam in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team qualification on Day 2 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on July 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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A Lam Shin of Korea crys after losing to Britta Heidemann of Germany in the Women's Epee Individual Fencing Semifinals on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)
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Vittoria Panizzon of Italy stumbles on Borough Pennyz in the Individual Eventing Cross Country Equestrian on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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Im Dong-Hyun of Korea retreives arrows from the board during practice ahead of the Men's Individual Archery on Day 3 at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
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Veronica Cepede Royg of Paraguay throws her racquet during the Women's Singles Tennis match against Varvara Lepchenko of the United States on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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Kristina Franic of Croatia is tackled by Nair Almeida of Angola during the Women's Handball Preliminaries Group A - Match 7 between Angola and Croatia on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Copper Box on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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Manuel Minginfel of Federated States of Micronesia competes in the Men's 62kg Weightlifting on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Gemma Lowe of Great Britain competes in the Women's 200m Butterfly semi final 2 on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Chad le Clos of South Africa celebrates after winning the gold in the Men's 200m Butterfly final on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Byungchul Choi of Korea celebrates his victory in the Men's Foil Individual Bronze Medal Bout against Andrea Baldani of Italy on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)
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Christinna Pedersen and Kamilla Rytter Juhl of Denmark celebrate victory in their Women's Doubles Badminton match against Yunlei Zhao and Qing Tian of China on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wembley Arena on July 31, 2012 in London, England.. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Anderson Mina Rojas of Equador (R) in action with Uktamjon Rahmonov of Uzbekistan during the Men's Light Welter (64kg) Boxing on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)
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Kristian Ipsen and Troy Dumais of the United States practise for the Men's Synchronised 3m Springboard on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
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Sarah Barrow and Tonia Couch of Great Britain compete in the Women's Synchronised 10m Platform Diving on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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A detail view of an athlete's hand on the pommel horse with the Olympic rings in the Artistic Gymnastics Men's Individual All-Around final on Day 5 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 1, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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South Korea's Kim Jiyeon celebrates after she defeated the USA's Mariel Zagunis, 15-13, in a semi-final match in the women's individual sabre at the ExCel Centre during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England, Wednesday, August 1, 2012. (Chuck Myers/MCT via Getty Images)
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(From bottom) Sebastian Stoss of Austria and Derya Buyukuncu of Turkey compete in heat 1 of the Men's 200m Backstroke on Day 5 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 1, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Qiushuang Huang of China competes on the balance beam in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Individual All-Around final on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Gold medalist Etienne Stott of Great Britain celebrate after the medal ceremony after the Men's Canoe Double (C2) Slalom final on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Lee Valley White Water Centre on August 2, 2012 in London, England. Great Britain won silver and Slovakia won bronze. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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The Netherlands Men's Pursuit team warm-up on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Velodrome on August 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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Vanessa Ferrari of Italy competes on the balance beam in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Individual All-Around final on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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Rosannagh Maclennan of Canada warms up during podium training for trampoline on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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The United States team throw their cox Mary Whipple into the water as they celebrate with their gold medals during the medal ceremony after the Women's Eight final on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Eton Dorney on August 2, 2012 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Andrea Lenders of Netherlands during podium training for trampoline on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Biao Chai of China returns against Haifeng Fu and Yun Cai of China in their Men's Doubles Badminton quarter final on day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wembley Arena on August 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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The Olympic Cauldron burns as athletes compete in the Men's 1500m Round 1 Heats on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 3, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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Bronze medallist Rebecca Adlington shows her emotion on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women's 800m Freestyle on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 3, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Anna Pysmenska of the Ukraine competes in the Women's 3m Springboard Diving Preliminary Round on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 3, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad of France in the Men's 3000m Steeplechase Heats on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 3, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
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Yang Sun of China dives into the water at the start of the Men's 1500m Freestyle heat 4 on Day 7 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 3, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Courtney Hurley of the United States celebrates defeating Anna Sivkova of Russia and winning the Bronze Medal Match 31-30 against Russia during the Women's Epee Team Fencing Finals on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at ExCeL on August 4, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Johnston/Getty Images)
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Laura Robson and Andy Murray of Great Britain compete against Christopher Kas and Sabine Lisicki of Germany in their Mixed Doubles Tennis semifinal match on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on August 4, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Action during the Men's Omnium Track Cycling 30km Points Race on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Velodrome on August 4, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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(EDITORS NOTE: Multiple exposures were combined in camera to produce this image.) Yihan Wang of China competes during her Women's Singles Badminton Gold Medal match against Xuerui Li of China on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wembley Arena on August 4, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Shanshan Huang of China competes in the Trampoline on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 4, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Alejandro Madorno of Argentina riding Milano de Flore competes in the 1st Qualifier of Individual Jumping on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Greenwich Park on August 4, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Jessica Ennis of Great Britain competes in the Women's Heptathlon Long Jump on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 4, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
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Athletes swim the first leg of the Women's Triathlon during the Triathlon on Day 8 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Hyde Park on August 4, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
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Silver medalist Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad of France celebrates with gold medalist Ezekiel Kemboi of Kenya celebrate after the Men's 3000m Steeplechase on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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Sara Labrousse and Chloe Willhelm of France compete in the Women's Duets Synchronised Swimming Technical Routine on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Mary Killman and Mariya Koroleva of the United States compete in the Women's Duets Synchronised Swimming Technical Routine on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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The Olympic cauldron opened before being extinguished during the Closing Ceremony at Olympic Stadium during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England, Sunday, August 12, 2012. (David Eulitt/Kansas City Star/MCT via Getty Images)
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A photo shows the Olympic flame in the Olympic stadium in London during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games on August 12, 2012. Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympic Games. (Photo credit: OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/GettyImages)
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Performers celebrate at the end of the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in London on August 12, 2012. Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympic Games. L (Photo credit: LEON NEAL/AFP/GettyImages)
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Fireworks explode over the Olympic stadium in London at the end of the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games on August 12, 2012. Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympic Games. (Photo credit: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/GettyImages)
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General view taken during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in London on August 12, 2012. (Photo credit: FRANCOIS XAVIER MARIT/AFP/GettyImages)
And then the games began, albeit not with the assistance of Bane blowing up Danny Boyle's green and promised land. The spectacular opening ceremony on Friday 29 July was a mesmeric and poignant prologue to a feast of sport.
Team GB had to wait until five days into the Games to win their first gold medal, but it was to be the first of 29 - their biggest haul since the 1908 Games, also held in London.
The Bolt and the Mobot
But what was the highlight? Bradley Wiggins' road race win? Super Saturday? Mo Farah's double triumph? Katherine Grainger finally collecting her first gold? Ben Ainslie making it four in a row? Sir Chris Hoy becoming Britain's greatest Olympian? Some won't be namechecked and that only underlines the magnificence of Britain's achievement at London 2012.
Aside from British interest, there was Usain Bolt charming just about everyone, Michael Phelps becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time, 32 world records and many more. It's just a shame it lasted less than three weeks.