Olympic Fever

Seven years after the city of London, England, was awarded the 2012 Summer Olympics, it has begun in earnest, kicking off in style with cameos from David Beckham, James Bond, and the Queen herself.

But when the smoke had settled on the fireworks from the Opening Ceremonies, it was time to get down to business. The usual suspects are already at the top of the medal standings, with China leading the pack on the back of its dominant divers, with the USA nipping at their heels in second place.

Canada has had a solid start to the Games, taking only two days to bring home their first medal, a bronze in synchronized diving won by Quebecers Emilie Heymans and Jessica Abel. On Tuesday, Canada won three more bronze medals; their first ever in woman’s weightlifting by Christine Girard, a second bronze in synchro-diving courtesy of Meaghan Benfeito and Roseline Filion, and (perhaps most impressive) a bronze in judo won by Antoine Valois-Fortier.

Team Canada has several chances to medal in rowing events in the upcoming days as well.

The women’s soccer team made the country proud as well, coming back from two goals down against world #4 Sweden in preliminary action Tuesday morning to capture a spot in the final 8 of the soccer tournament.

One of the Olympics classic moments happened at the hands of—you guessed it—a Canadian boy. Tennis sensation Milos Raonic was involved in an epic marathon match with France’s Jo Wilfred Tsonga, with the final set lasting just over three hours and ending 25-23 for the Frenchman. While Raonic is definitely disappointed to be leaving the Games early, he can hold his head high; the final set was an incredible battle of determination, courage, and sheer will over all other qualities.

Finally, the news we’ve all been expecting, and waiting for: Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time. Phelps won his first gold medal of these Games Tuesday with his win in the 4x200m relay. Phelps, with 19 career medals, passes legendary Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina to take over the crown of greatest Olympian of all time.