The London 2012 games are winding down and they have left us with some truly amazing and inspirational moments. There have been dozens of amazing stories, profiling some amazing people, but I've narrowed it down to the Top 10 Greatest Moments. Take a look and let me know what your favorite memories have been!

  • Quinn Rooney, Getty Images
    Quinn Rooney, Getty Images
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    10

    Richards-Ross Wins Gold

    American Sanya Richards-Ross overcame a disappointing Beijing Olympics with an incredible performance in London. Richards-Ross won gold in the 400-meter race. What makes this moment even more special? Her husband, NFL cornerback Aaron Ross was given permission from his current team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, to fly out to London to be able to witness this special moment. Ross was a member of the Super Bowl-winning New York Giants last season. Not a bad year for the Ross family!

  • Harry How, Getty Images
    Harry How, Getty Images
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    9

    Great Britain Shines

    Great Britain hasn't exactly been an Olympic power-house in the modern era, however the host city has been on fire this go-around! Home field advantage? Perhaps. There's no denying that these British athletes have been competing at another level these games. Among the winners: underdog Andy Murray took down favorite Roger Federer to win tennis gold, London sweetheart Jessica Ennis took gold in women's heptathlon and the cycling-track team earned an impressive 7 total gold medals!

  • Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
    Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
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    8

    U.S. Women's Soccer

    After a heartbreaking 2011 World Cup loss, the U.S. Women's Soccer team completely redeemed themselves with a 2-1 victory over Japan to win Olympic gold. Count that as the 4th Olympic appearance and second gold medal for New Jersey's own Christie Rampone!

  • Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
    Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
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    7

    Gabby Douglas Makes History

    Gymnast Gabby Douglas not only helped her team to win the all-around gold, but also became the first African-American woman to win the individual all-round competition. Not bad for her first Olympics!

  • Jamie Squire, Getty Images
    Jamie Squire, Getty Images
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    6

    Misty May-Treaner Goes Out On Top

    Kerri Walsh Jennings may win gold again, but not with her longtime friend and teammate Misty May-Treaner. May-Treaner retired from her beloved sport with style in London. The duo has never lost a game in Olympics competition and now never will!

  • Feng Li, Getty Images
    Feng Li, Getty Images
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    5

    Manteo Mitchell Finishes Race With Broken Leg

    When you're on a relay team, you know that the team is more important than yourself. Manteo Mitchell took that philosophy to an entirely different level when he finished his leg of the race with a broken leg! Later diagnosed with a broken left fibula, Mitchell knew he could not let his team down and fought through the unimaginable pain to help his team qualify for the finals, which he will now only be able to watch from the stands.

  • Stu Forster, Getty Images
    Stu Forster, Getty Images
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    4

    Liu Xiang's Inspirational Finish

    Sometimes stories of loss can be even more inspirational than those of victory. Case in point: Liu Xiang, who tore his Achilles tendon before his first hurdle in a preliminary heat. With victory out of the question, Xiang refused to quit. Slowly and painfully, the hurdler traversed the track and was able to cross the finish line. Liu Xiang may not have won the race, but is certainly not a loser.

  • Clive Brunskill, Getty Images
    Clive Brunskill, Getty Images
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    3

    Usain Bolt Defends His Title

    Track superstar Usain Bolt defended his title of "Fastest Man In The World" in impressive style by once again taking the gold in both the 100 and 200 meter races and setting some more records along the way. Bolt continues to thrill crowds with his unbelievable speed and electric personality.

  • Michael Steele, Getty Images
    Michael Steele, Getty Images
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    2

    Oscar Pistorius

    I literally could not believe what I was seeing. I had not heard of the Oscar Pistorius story prior to watching his preliminary heat in the men's 400 meter race and I was truly amazed. Pistorius, who had a double below-knee amputation, races on artificial limbs... very well! Pistorius placed 2nd in that race and qualified for the semi-finals, where he was eventually eliminated. His Olympics are not quite over yet though, as his relay team is still alive! Win or lose, Pistrorius has taught us that "no" should not be in any person's vocabulary!

  • Paul Gilham, Getty Images
    Paul Gilham, Getty Images
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    1

    The End of the Michael Phelps Era

    It's hard to imagine having an Olympics without Michael Phelps. It seems like he has been the unofficial face of the games for the past 12 years. However, all good things must come to an end and this stellar swimmer has called it quits after 22 medals. Will some one else be able to fill the swimming trunks of this living legend? We'll have to wait until 2016 in Rio de Janeiro to find out. In the meantime, thanks for the memories Michael!

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