LONDON — Missy Franklin made the London Olympics special for Colorado and a hurting community back home in Aurora. A bunch of gritty British athletes made the Olympics special for a nation trying to crawl out of an economic morass.
But as the London Olympics say goodbye to the world Sunday, they provided moments for that entire world. Of course, not all of them were good. So as we leave sunny England — yes, you read that right — here’s my version of the Best & Worst of the 2012 London Games:
Best performance by an athlete
Michael Phelps, U.S. In his swan song, with everyone wondering if he had lost it as recently as two months ago, Phelps won four more gold medals, two individually, and beat archrival Ryan Lochte. Phelps finished his career with an astounding record 22 medals, 18 gold, to stamp his claim as the best Olympian ever.
Worst performance by an athlete
Mark Cavendish, Great Britain. A heavy favorite to win gold in the cycling road race, and with an all-star team geared to do it, the Brit never threatened them. He did, however, blame other teams for not helping his.
Best performance by nation
Great Britain. It has 62 medals, including 28 gold, the best performance in its history. Its population is a fifth the size of No. 1 U.S., and 1/20th the size of No. 2 China.
Everyone knew the Brits would dominate cycling but who could name a member of Great Britain’s track and field team? And you think British women got a little street cred with gold medals in taekwondo and boxing?
Yes, ma’am. No, ma’am.
Worst performance by nation
Australia. Projected by Sports Illustrated for 46 medals, including 16 gold, Australia was way down under that with 7 gold, 35 total. It flopped in its national sport, swimming. But it may have created a new national sport: whining.
Best Olympic moment
Sir Steve Redgrave, Great Britain. Weeping, the former British rower gave Sir Chris Hoy a huge hug in the velodrome as he handed the track cyclist his title as Great Britain’s most decorated Olympian. The Brits are very good at pomp and circumstance, even on a banked track.
Best Olympic hour
On Aug. 4, Great Britain had its greatest track and field day in history. In a 90-minute period, Greg Rutherford won gold in the long jump, then Jessica Ennis won gold in the heptathlon then Mohamed Farah won gold in the 10,000. The Olympic Stadium sounded as if England had won the World Cup on its home turf.
Biggest upset
Mexico 2, Brazil 1, men’s soccer. Mexico had never won a medal in Olympic soccer; Brazil had spent four years gearing up to win its first gold. But Mexico scored in the first minute and Brazil never recovered.
Biggest flop
U.S. boxers. They weren’t very good to begin with. Rau’shee Warren, in his third Olympics, was the only gold medal contender. But they won no medals. It doesn’t get any worse than that.
Worst effort
Badminton doubles teams from South Korea, China and Indonesia played games less competitive than when we played at company picnics. The only thing missing were the cups of beer in their free hands. No one wanted to finish first in their group and play China’s No. 2-ranked Tian Qing and Zhao Yunle, who got upset and finished second in their group. Four teams were tossed and Russia and Canada were reinstated. In a bit of irony, Russia beat Canada for bronze.
Best interview
Usain Bolt, Jamaica. After his gold medal-winning 200-meter dash for his fourth sprint gold medal in two Games, he was funny, poignant, insightful, critical, honest, humble and playful.
Best venue
Beach volleyball. This place had great views. No, not those views. LOCOG poured tons of sand at the Horse Parade Grounds, which date to 1745 and are named for the soldiers who have provided protection for the monarch since the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. From the stands you have terrific views of London’s giant Ferris wheel and Buckingham Palace among, um, other things.
Worst body art
Aldo Montano, Italy. The fencer had “God Save the Queen” bleached into his hairdo. It didn’t help. He finished 11th in sabre, although he won bronze in team sabre.
Best use of a cliché
Lee Jae-Cheol, South Korea. The sailing coach was tossed out of the Olympics because of a drunken driving arrest when he was twice the legal limit. He categorically denies telling officers, “I’m a sailing coach. I’m always three sheets to the wind.”
Worst sport
McKayla Maroney, U.S. She had to literally fall on her behind to blow a gold medal in the vault and that’s exactly what she did. Then, on the medal stand, she pouted.
Most overblown controversy
Security. Talking to locals before the opening ceremony July 27, people feared security would turn London into a police state or be so hapless that terrorists would take numbers to attack. Olympic security operated seamlessly within the Olympics and guards showed patience, kindness and even a sense of humor. Then again, where would you rather be: Afghanistan or team handball?
John Henderson: 303-954-1299, jhenderson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/johnhendersondp
