2012 Olympics: 10 Coolest Photos from Sixth Day of Summer Games

Many of the great images from Thursday's action at the London Olympics came during some of the great performances.

Above, Michael Phelps powers through the butterfly leg of his gold-medal swim in the 200-meter individual medley. Just above him is rival Ryan Lochte, who finished second. 

Continue for more super shots of super men and women.

10. These Guys Are FAST!

The swimmers were a blur from the start of a men's 50-meter freestyle semifinal. Cullen Jones (U.S.) and Cesar Cielo (Brazil) went into Friday's final with the quickest mark at 21.45 secoonds.

9. But These Girls Are Faster

Germany found the medal stand again today, edging out China for gold in cycling's team sprint for women.

China was given a penalty that pushed them to the silver.  its team threatened to not show up to the medal ceremony, but when told to appear or forfeit, they opted to keep the silver.

8. Life's a Beach

The weather for beach volleyball hasn't been quite right for bikinis during many sessions,  by April Ross and Jen Kessy of the United States warmed up to beat a team from Spain 2-1.

7. Equal Time

There was fun in the sun for the men's teams, too. Katsuhiroi Shiratori of Japan dived for a dig during a loss to Spain for Shiratori and teammate Kentaro Asahi.

6. Like a Fox to Water

Australia's Jessica Fox won a silver medal in women's canoe in the slalom. 

5. Laying Down on the Job

Kayla Harrison beat Gemma Gibbons of Great Britain in judo's 78-kg final. I wouldn't want to get back up and face off with Kayla, either.

4. Pull

Britain's Peter Wilson won gold in the men's double trap competition. Sweden's Hakan Dahlby won the silver medal and Russian Vasily Mosin the bronze.

3. Victory Dip

Oh, the joy of winning a gold medal in the eights. At least if you are one of the rowers and not the coxswain. Here, Mary Whipple gets thrown in by her U.S. teammates after their victory.

2. Fun in the Pool

What better way to unwind after a rough swim than remembering to have a little fun?

1. Golden Girl

Gabby Douglas shows her form during her gold-medal-winning performance in the women's all-around gymnastics competition. The U.S. women won the gold medal in the team and all-around competitions.