The United States had a terrific showing at the 2012 Olympic Games, finishing up the 16-day spectacle with more total medals and gold medals than any other country. There was a huge contingent of athletes from Southern California who helped the U.S. to that big total.
The L.A. athletes were of course led by Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul, who helped pilot the United States men's basketball team to their second straight gold medal in a rematch against Spain.
In another massive rematch, the United States Women's National Team picked up the gold medal in women's soccer, defeating the Japan team that had beaten them at the World Cup just one year earlier. USWNT players Alex Morgan, Amy Rodriguez, Shannon Boxx, Lauren Cheney and Sydney Leroux all have Southern California ties.
Long Beach State's Misty-May Treanor and her longtime parter Kerri Walsh-Jennings took home a third straight gold medal in women's beach volleyball. It was not only an all-United States final in the event, but nearly an all-Southern California event: USC Trojans alums April Ross and Jen Kessy took the loss, but won silver medals in the event as a result.
On the indoor cycling track, Sarah Hammer from Redondo Beach won the team silver medal in women's team pursuit and an individual silver in women's omnium.
Troy Dumais and his partner Kristian Ipsen won bronze in the three meter synchornized springboard.
SoCal gymnasts Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney famously helped the U.S. pick up a huge gold medal in the women's team event. Maroney later added an individual silver in the vault and launched an amazing meme in the process.
Southern California also medaled in rowing, as Adrienne Martelli was part of a bronze medal team in the women's quadruple sculls and Esther Lofgren was part of the gold medal women's eight boat.
The area even proved that it could spawn a gold medal shooter, as Kim Rhode won her third Olympic gold medal and fifth overall medal.
Missy Franklin from Pasadena proved to be a sensation in women's swimming, picking up four gold medals and one bronze medal in her first Olympics. Other winning swimmers from the area included Rebecca Soni, Jessica Hardy and Jason Lezak.
On the famous grass courts of Wimbledon, Southern California residents also found success. Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan captured their first-ever gold in men's doubles to complete their career golden slam. As a follow-up, Mike Bryan added a bronze in mixed doubles with Lisa Raymond. Serena Williams also completed her career golden slam by winning the women's singles final over Maria Sharapova. Just a month removed from capturing the 2012 Wimbledon title, Williams also won another gold with her sister Venus Williams in women's doubles.
Los Angeles' greatest success may have come in track and field. Los Angeles's Allyson Felix picked up three huge gold medals, including top honors in the women's 200 meters. Carmelita Jeter finished with a gold, a silver and a bronze medal. Brittney Reese took the gold in the women's long jump. Bryshon Nellum and Josh Mance finished with a silver in the men's 4 x 400 meter relay. Lashinda Demus grabbed silver in the women's 400 meter hurdles. Dee Dee Trotter grabbed gold in the 4 x 400 meter relay and bronze in the 400 meter dash.
Stick with the SB Nation Los Angeles StoryStream for more coverage of local athletes at the 2012 Olympic Games. For more on the 2012 Olympic Games, make sure that you check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.
