The 2012 London Games kicked off 16 days ago with Queen Elizabeth II (actually, a body double) parachuting into a whimsical opening ceremony.
The games gathered speed as U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps collected four gold medals and six overall to become the most decorated Olympian ever, with 22 career medals.
Gabby Douglas, the 16-year-old American gymnast, won two golds — and got to meet Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, to boot.
In one delirious night, Britain struck gold three times in track and field — all in less than an hour. The host country piled up 28 golds and will finish third in the medal count.
As the games neared the end, Jamaica's Usain Bolt ran a blistering anchor leg to set a world record in the 4x100 relay for his third gold.
On the final day, LeBron James and the U.S. men's basketball team held off Spain 100-107 for the gold.
Before the flame is extinguished, The Who and the Spice Girls will help give the games a rousing send-off at the closing ceremony.
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Here, in pictures, are some of the best moments from the 2012 Summer Games.