Olympic Results 2012: Biggest Surprises from Week 1 in London

With a full week of action still to go, it seems like the 2012 Olympics have just gotten started. That may be true, but we have also seen time fly by in London. The medalists have been coming fast and furious since the opening ceremony ended. 

Since there will be plenty of time to look ahead, we wanted to stop, catch our breath and look back at where things have gone thus far. Specifically, the surprises from the first week of the Olympics. 

Some surprises have been pleasant, while others have left fans around world scratching their collective heads. Here are the things that have made us take notice from an exciting, nerve-wracking week in London. 

For a full look at all the results from London, click here. 

McKayla Maroney Does Not Win Vault Gold

Saying that winning a silver medal is a disappointment is normally a completely ridiculous statement. There are billions of people around the world who would love the chance to compete in the Olympics, much less win a medal of any kind. 

For American gymnast McKayla Maroney, though, a gold medal in the vault was expected. She nailed one of the greatest vaults in Olympic history in the team competition, and this was her event to shine in.

That is not exactly what happened.

Maroney's feet slipped out from under her on her second vault, giving Romania's Sandra Izbasa the edge she would need to capture a gold medal. 

Winning a silver medal is a hell of an accomplishment; it just isn't what Maroney was supposed to end up with. 

Great Britain Wins Gold and Silver in Men's Canoe Slalom C-2

Like Maroney, the Slovakian duo of Pavel and Peter Hochschorner were prohibitive favorites for a gold medal.

The twin duo had won three straight Olympic gold medals and World Championships in the men's canoe slalom C-2. 

They did not run a crisp, clean race—they were penalized two seconds for hitting a gate—and it cost them their crown as the most dominant slalom team in the world. 

Kayla Harrison Wins America's First Olympic Gold in Judo

There was a lot of buzz surrounding Kayla Harrison prior to the Olympics. She had success in events like the World Judo Championships and Pan American Judo Championships, but until you see someone perform on the Olympic stage, a lot of things can happen. 

Harrison's journey just to get to this moment in London is amazing—she had to overcome sexual abuse (via Fox News) from her former coach. 

To make it back from that is an accomplishment far bigger than anything that happened in London. Adding a gold medal is just the icing on the cake for this incredible athlete. 

Follow @adamwells1985