London Summer Games July 27, 2012, through August 12, 2012 July 27, 2012 Some 80,000 people in Olympic Stadium and billions worldwide watched the Opening Ceremony as Britain celebrated its milestones and points of pride, from the Industrial Revolution to its National Health System to Harry Potter, in a high-tech ceremony called The Isles of Wonder directed by Oscar winner Danny Boyle. One of the most talked about events featured stunt doubles for James Bond actor Daniel Craig and Queen Elizabeth jumping from an airplane and parachuting into the stadium. The 2012 Games were the first in which each of the 205 participating countries sends at least one woman athlete. July 31, 2012 Michael Phelps won his 19th Olympic medal, becoming the winningest Olympic athlete of all time. He surpassed the record held by Russian gymnast Larisa Latynina. August 2, 2012 Phelps won his 20th medal, a gold in the 200m individual medley. August 4, 2012 Phelps ended his Olympic swimming career with another gold medal. He amassed 22 medals in his Olympic career: 18 gold, two silver, and two bronze. August 11, 2012 Montenegro wins its first ever Olympic medal – a silver in women's volleyball. Six more countries win their first medals at this event as well: Bahrain, Botswana, Cyprus, Gabon and Grenada. Great Britain achieves their best result since the Games in 1908 (also held in London) and ends in third place overall. USA takes first place with 103 medals (46 golden), China was second at 88 (38 golden), while Great Britain takes third with a total of 65 medals, of which 29 golden.
