London 2012 Medal Count: 10 Most Impressive Gold-Medal Performances

There were plenty of legendary performances at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Individuals, teams and the hosts all were spectacular, making this one of the greatest sporting events in history. Everything seemed to fall in place for London, including beautiful weather for the majority of the Games.

Now that the Olympics are over, though, it is time to look back at the greatest gold-medal performances.

10. Mexico Beats Brazil, Men's Soccer

Brazil was the favorite heading into the tournament, and they started off the Games on fire.

Neymar was creating, Damiao was finishing and the team was pretty electric. Despite their decorated history, Brazil had never won a gold medal. Mexico made sure that didn't change.

Even with Giovani dos Santos out, Mexico took it to Brazil. Yes, Oscar should've equalized in stoppage time, but he didn't. And Mexico definitely deserved the win.

9. Missy Franklin, 200-Meter Backstroke

At 17 years old, Missy Franklin dominated the 200-meter backstroke.

She set a world record and made it clear that she's the next big thing in swimming. With all the talk about Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps, Franklin managed to win the most golds in London (she tied with Phelps).

She has a bright future ahead of her, and the United States will be proud to have another swimming star.

8. Jessica Ennis Clinches Heptathlon with 800-Meter Victory

In the final event of the heptathlon, hometown girl Jessica Ennis made an incredible push.

She was trailing at the end of the race, and with the entire crowd roaring for her, she passed the leader and finished first. It was a Hollywood moment, and it was great to watch.

Track and field has a rich history in Great Britain, and the hosts loved having someone to cheer for. Fortunately, Ennis was able to provide them with a spectacular performance.

7. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings Finish Three-Peat

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are the greatest beach volleyball players of all time.

They've dominated the sport since 2004, and even though they weren't the top seed, they managed to top the medal stand for the third straight Olympics. It doesn't get much better than how dominant these two women have been.

6. Ye Shiwen's Incredible 400-Meter Individual Medley

In the 400-meter individual medley, Ye Shiwen swam the last 50 meters faster than Ryan Lochte did in his gold-medal race.

While the cynic in me immediately asks how a 16-year-old female swimmer could go faster than a male gold medalist, part of me just wants to admire the feat. Ye swam an incredible race, most notably the last stretch of the pool.

While questions of doping have been raised, I would like to keep my innocence and marvel at her spectacular performance.

5. United States Gymnastics Team Gold

This team was incredible to watch.

Yes, Gabby Douglas put in a legendary effort to win gold in the individual all-around; McKayla Maroney "was not impressed," prompting an immediately popular meme; and Jordyn Wieber failed to qualify for the all-around.

But the biggest story was all of these girls coming together and dominating. Maroney executed the perfect vault. Wieber put in a gutsy performance one night after failing individually. And Douglas performed like the best in the world, which she proved she was shortly after this medal.

4. United States' 4x100-Meter Relay Sets World Record

The four fastest women in the United States came together and completely dominated the 4x100-meter relay race, smashing the world record.

It was incredible to watch, as the Americans slowly started to make some space. They looked to be running well, and once the last baton was handed off safely, it was clear something special was going to happen.

As she crossed the finish line, Carmelita Jeter pointed to the clock, acknowledging that they had just set a new world record.

3. Andy Murray Finally Beats Roger Federer at Wimbledon

Andy Murray has notoriously come up short in big situations.

After losing Wimbledon about a month ago, Murray rebounded by destroying Roger Federer. With his entire nation behind him, Murray swept the greatest tennis player of all time and aced him on the final point.

It was a fitting end to Murray's day. He was great from start to finish, and he did it on one of the biggest stages possible.

2. Mo Farah's Electrifying Victory in 10K

Maybe it was his face when he crossed the finish line. Maybe it was the crowd roaring him on. Maybe it was his jubilant reaction.

Whatever the case, Mo Farah's victory in the 10K was one of absolute legend. It choked me up a bit, and I will always remember that look of pure joy that Farah had as he realized he had won.

A few days later, Farah finished his dream by winning the 5K, making him the first man in 60 years to win the long-distance double. Still, it will be his performance in the 10K that lives on forever.

1. The 4x100-Meter Breathtaking Jamaican Relay

Usain Bolt got what he wanted; he made people say, "Wow."

When he took the baton, Bolt was dead even with Team USA's Ryan Bailey. Then, all of a sudden, Bolt was two strides ahead. Bailey finished off a new American record, but Bolt made him look slow.

The performance by the Jamaicans was indicative of how dominant Bolt (and Jamaica as a whole, for that matter) has been over the past four years. He is the greatest sprinter who ever lived, and by winning this relay, he cemented himself as one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time.