London 2012: The real winners

The USA have won the London Olympic Games, with China a close second. But the real winners of the 2012 Olympics aren’t the ones with medals around their necks.

These games were the first that Arab women were allowed to compete. This has set new standard for women’s rights in Arab countries, and gives a promising outlook for the future of those countries.

GB’s best Olympics ever?

Great Britain have surpassed the number of medals won in Beijing in 2008, but still have some way to go to top the number won at London 1908.

Team GB have made this the second most successful games in terms of medal hauls, with 48 already and five days of competition left. But in 1908, Great Britain massed a huge 146 medals, including 56 gold, 51 silver and 39 bronze.

Medals trickle in for GB

Team GB have started to get themselves a few medals coming into the first full week of competition.

After grabbing a silver medal in the women’s road race, GB have gained medals in the equestrian, gymnastics, rowing and swimming events.

Team GB disappointment on opening day

Team GB have been disappointing so far during the 2012 London Olympics, having not yet gained a medal.

The only saving grace was the women’s football team, who have managed two wins in their opening two matches, beating New Zealand 1-0 and Cameroon 3-0. The men’s football team could only muster a 1-1 draw against the gigantic Senegal.

Team GB footballers faulter

Team GB‘s Olympic football teams tripped up at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium as the women’s team could only muster a 0-0 with Sweden, and the men were comfortably beaten by Brazil.

A goal from Spurs’ Sandro and a penalty from Neymar in the first half were enough to secure a one-sided game in which GB were completely dominated.