Photo Gallery: Lasting images from London 2012 Olympics

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The Opening Ceremony for the London Olympics played to a packed house.

Queen Elizabeth declares open the 2012 Olympics.

Modesto's Erin Cafaro, far left, helped lead the U.S. Women's Eight rowing team to gold.

The gold medal-winning U.S. women's gymnastics team

American Gabby Douglas struck gold in the all-around

Michael Phelps touches the wall, beating out South Africa's Chad le Clos for gold

Michael Phelps and the award for the most-decorated Olympic athlete.

Missy Franklin celebrates gold in the 100 breaststroke, one of four golds for the American.

Three-time gold medal winner Allison Schmitt keeps U.S. in the lead in the 4x200 free relay.

Ryan Lochte was all smiles after winning the 400 individual medley.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt celebrates after winning the gold in the men's 200 meters.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt leads his country to the gold in the 4x100.

American Allyson Felix stretches to victory in the 200 meters.

The 4x100 team, from left, Carmelita Jeter, Bianca Knight, Tianna Madison and Allyson Felix.

American Carli Lloyd (10) celebrates a goal in her team's victory over Japan.

The victory in soccer highlighted a huge Olympic games for U.S. women in all sports.

Misty May-Treanor, left, and Kerri Walsh Jennings enjoy another victory.

David Boudia from the U.S. competes during the men's 10-meter platform.

Gold medalist Chen Ruolin of China dives during the women's 10-meter platform semifinal.

The U.S. women's water polo team huddle before championship match.

South Korea's Son Yeon-jae performs during the rhythmic gymnastics.

The U.S. women's epee team gladly took home a bronze.

Cyclists compete in a BMX cycling men's quarterfinal run.

Mexico's Jaime Azcarraga rides his horse Gangster in the show jumping team competition.

LeBron James, biting the medal, and Co. had little resistance on way to the gold.

Happy times for the winning U.S. women's basketball team.

Gold-medalist Stephen Kiprotich, left, Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich (bronze), Abel Kirui (silver).

The Spice Girls perform at Sunday's closing ceremony.

The Who perform at Sunday's closing ceremony.

A fond farewell to London 2012.