By Bethany Bella

Nearly 219.4 million Americans tuned in this summer to watch the XXX Olympiad broadcasted live from London, England. Across 17 days of coverage, viewers followed Team USA in a variety of sporting events. Many Americans fully embraced the spirit of the Games by supporting their favorite events and athletes. The Olympic Games have continually inspired its viewers with many unbelievable moments. The London 2012 Games captivated its audience with several exhilarating triumphs. Michael Phelps, Team USA icon in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, returned to the pool once again for a highly anticipated performance. Phelps did not disappoint his country, leaving London with the title of Greatest Olympian of All Time. He claimed six medals in his final Olympic appearance, four of which were gold medals. Another shining star emerged from Team USAs womens gymnastics team, All-Around Gold Medal Champion, Gabrielle Douglas. Her well-executed performance for their favorite athletes, but many viewers like the promoted aspect of world unity. [The Olympics] shows not just our nation, but the entire world setting aside whatever they have going on and all coming together for one thing. That is the Olympics; it brings us all together, junior Nicoletta Soulas said. The London 2012 Inspire a Generation slogan truly influenced its young adult audience. Many teens have high hopes to attend the Olympic Games, if the games ever return to the United States. I think it would be so fun to join up with my other fellow Americans and root for one team, junior Holly Stahl said. Perhaps, the Olympic Games will once again appear in the U.S. in the next several years. Until then, Olympic fans have the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia to look forward to.

in the Womens Gymnastics Team Final earned her an opportunity for another Gabby Gold. The USA Womens Team also won gold for the first time since the Magnificent Seven in 1996. Id have to say watching the U.S Womens Gymnastics team win the first team gold medal since 1996 [was a] pretty amazing moment, junior Hannah Kesig said. Not only do people enjoy watching the Olympics to cheer