Olympic Results 2012: Most Impressive Performances by Team USA on Day 1 of Games

Day 1 of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London is officially underway, and there have already been some impressive performances by Team USA in specific events.

Let's take a look at which American squads and/or athletes brought home some early medals for Team USA.

Team USA Men's Archery: Silver Medal

Team USA's archery team, led by world No. 1 Brady Ellison, took home a silver medal for its efforts after losing to Italy's squad in the final.

However, its place in that final was somewhat of a surprise, as Team USA was able to top the highly touted South Korean squad in order to make the showdown with Italy possible.

But in the end, Italy was able to win in quite suspenseful fashion, narrowly beating an American team that hasn't won a team gold medal in the event since 1996.

Despite a disappointing finish that saw it fall just short, there is no shame in the accomplishments of this team on the opening day of the Games.

Ryan Lochte: Gold Medal

Let the rivalry begin between Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps.

In the men's 400-meter individual medley, Lochte was able to top Phelps in the race and took home his first gold of the Games. Phelps finished in fourth place for his efforts.

Lochte was able to build an early lead and never relinquished it. The American topped Brazil's Thiago Pereira and Japan's Kosuke Hagino after breaking away from the pack and finishing strong with his backstroke.

The 27-year-old captured the first gold medal for Team USA in the 2012 Games.

Elizabeth Beisel: Silver Medal

After her 2011 World Championships victory in the 400-meter individual medley, it seemed Elizabeth Beisel was primed to take gold in London in the same event, but that wasn't to be.

Instead, Beisel took home the silver medal, and despite it being a disappointing and unexpected finish, it was still impressive nonetheless.

It took a near-perfect race from China's Ye Shiwen, who topped Beisel by nearly three seconds en route to a new world record in the event. There's no shame in Beisel's efforts. It just goes to show you that in order to beat this talented swimmer, her competitors must swim the race of their lives.