Sasha Kaun Celebrates Historic Russian Win At 2012 Olympics

Former Kansas University big man Sasha Kaun has a new accolade to put next to all of the ones he acquired in his four years as the Jayhawks' center. Kaun was part of history at the London Olympics as he and the rest of Team Russia became the first Russian team to medal at the Olympic since the break up of the Soviet Union.

After a heartbreaking loss to Spain in the semi-final, Russia was able to defeat Argentina and claim the bronze medal. Kaun told KU sports.com's Gary Bedore that he's proud of how the Russian national basketball program has grown. Kaun is also the first Jayhawk men's player to medal at the Olympics since Danny Manning, who was also one of Kaun's coaches at KU during the team's 2008 NCAA national title run.

“I am so fortunate to be considered with Danny. To be the first since Danny is phenomenal,” said Kaun, whose inside presence was vital in the victory over Argentina and its power forward deluxe Luis Scola.

Kaun says he received several text messages from all his teammates and coaches after Russia won the bronze. He currently is a member of European power house CSKA Moscow, where he has three years left on his deal.

Diamond Dixon Reflects Back On 2012 Olympics Experience

Kansas University runner Diamond Dixon's world is different now than it was even a few months ago. The 4x400 meter relay Olympic gold medalist told KU Sports.com's Tom Keegan her experience in London has made more recognizable on campus, and it's also helped her be more open with people.

“I do have a problem trusting people, but I honestly feel like I am getting so much better at that,” Dixon said. “I’m learning that the whole world isn’t against me. I have a lot of people here who support me and those are the people who matter, not the people who have hurt me in the past.”

Dixon added that since returning from London, she's been smiling so much that it's made her cheeks "kind of sore."

She added that she's very proud of her relay medal, but it doesn't compare to the individual 400 meter medal she hopes to get by competing for Team USA at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. She says the 2016 goal has inspired a nickname (Diamond Rio) and a new diet (Dixon swears she's going to lay off her favorite barbecue place).

2012 London Olympics: Diamond Dixon Back At Kansas After London Success

So what did you do on your summer vacation?

When classes start at KU on Monday, one Jayhawk track star can tell quite the story of what she did this summer. In fact, sprinter Diamond Dixon can turn it into show and tell by letting the other students see the gold medal she earned as part of the USA women's 4 X 400m relay team in the 2012 London Olympics.

Dixon returned to Lawrence and showed off her gold medal at a press conference on Thursday as she prepares to start classes next week. Dixon ran the third leg of the semifinal race which earned her a claim to a gold medal after her teammates won the final. She certainly earned it, running a 50.88 leg to put the U.S. in the lead for the anchor leg.

Dixon has two year of eligibility remaining at KU and intends to finish her career with the Jayhawks before trying to make a living on the track. That means she had to turn down the $25,000 prize money awarded to gold medal winners.

"Yes ... I had to turn down the money," Dixon said, laughing. "It's OK. I don't need it. Those ladies (professionals on the relay team) need it more than I do. It's their job. It's what they do. I'm still running for KU, still representing KU. I plan to stay here through my senior year. No point in me going professional right now. If they want me now, they'll want me then. I'm here to represent KU and take in everything I can while I'm here."

For the latest on the 2012 London Olympic Games, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

London Olympics Medal Count: Kansas City Athletes Win 5 Medals

The 2012 London Olympics are officially over and in the medal count it was the United States who had a late surge to surpass China to win the overall medal count with 102, 46 of those medals being gold. As for the athletes who have local connections there were five athletes who won a medal.

Three of those five medals came from the men's basketball team who won gold, then there was a silver medal in the men's high jump and a gold medal in swimming.

Here are the athletes who won an Olympic medal:

• Kevin Durant, basketball, gold medal
• Russell Westbrook, basketball, gold medal
• James Harden, basketball, gold medal
• Erik Kynard, high jump, silver medal
• Shannon Vreeland, swimming, 4x200m freestyle relay, gold medal

For a complete breakdown, visit Sports Illustrated's medal count tracker.

For the latest on the 2012 London Olympic Games, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

2012 London Olympics Medal Count: USA Pulls Away From China

The 2012 London Olympics are coming to an end and the United States has clinched the top spot in the overall medal count. The U.S. went back and forth with China in the early part of the games but a strong finish enabled them to come out on top.

The United States finished with 104 total medals including 46 golds. China comes in second with 87 and 38 golds while Russia finished third with 82 medals and 24 gold. Great Britain and Germany round out the top five.

Here is a the final top five in the medal count:

1. United States, 104 (46 Gold, 29 Silver, 29 Bronze)
2. China, 87 (38, 27, 22)
3. Russia, 82 (24, 25, 33)
4. Great Britain, 65 (29, 17, 19)
5. Germany, 44 (11, 19, 14)

For a complete breakdown, visit Sports Illustrated's medal count tracker.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympic Games, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Olympics Closing Ceremony: TV Coverage, Streaming, Live Updates And More

The 2012 London Olympics come to a close Sunday after more than 300 events and 16 days of action. The London games officially end with the Closing Ceremony.

Sunday's Closing Ceremony figures to be much like the Opening Ceremony. It will feature more than 4,100 performers including some celebrity performances. Super models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell will be there, as will the Spice Girls, Coldplay and The Who.

Bryshon Nellum who won a silver medal in the men's 4x400m relay will carry the United States flag during the closing ceremony. The games will come to an end with London handing the Olympic flag over to Rio, then extinguishing the Olympic flame.

The Closing Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET and can be watched live at NBCOlympics.com. It will also air in primetime on NBC beginning at 7 p.m.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

London Olympics Basketball: Russia Defeats Argentina For Bronze Medal

The ultimate stage has been set for the gold medal competition for men's basketball featuring Team USA against Spain, but first the bronze medal has to be played out. Russia and Argentina were both going to be up for a difficult match with solid professional teams featuring many veterans on both sides and the third place game was a hard fought match that found Russia ultimately coming out on top over Argentina 81-77.

The win for Russia is its first basketball medal ever and signal an ascension for the program. It's easily the biggest win for Russian basketball in international play along with the gold in the EuroBasket in 2007. Alexey Schved led Russia with 25 and Andrei Kirilenko scored 20 as well.

As for Argentina, it's a frustrating finish to fail to win a medal after hopes of competing against the Americans for the gold. Manu Ginobili scored 21 points in the losing effort.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

s London Olympics 2012: How To Watch On TV, Live Stream

After years of planning a master proposal and several more of actually building and creating the overall program. London's time as host for the world is coming to a close only two weeks after it started. The 2012 Summer Olympics in London are almost in the books with just a few more events playing out on Sunday before the Closing Ceremonies happen to bring the global community back together for giant celebration.

The good news is that you'll be able to join with everyone as it happens. Instead of a tape delay to witness to spectacle in proper TV time, NBC is going to run the event as it happens. So while a mid-afternoon Closing Ceremonies will lack the punch of an event happening at night both on screen and at home, it will at least feel "in the moment."

You can catch the ceremonies on NBC at 4pm ET/3pm CT. They will begin at 9pm local time in London. Live streams can also be found at NBC's Olympic live feed.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Kevin Durant And James Harden React Exactly Like They Should Towards The Dwight Howard Trade, No Big Deal

Kansas Jayhawks Sprinter Diamond Dixon Helps Team USA Advance In 4x400-Meter Relay

The Kanas Jayhawks track and field team is being represented quite well by Diamond Dixon in the 2012 Olympics in London. Dixon ran the third leg for Team USA in the semifinals of the women's 4x400-meter relay Friday evening and the Americans are poised to make a run at gold in the finals.

Dixon ran an unofficial split time of 50.15, second fastest on the team behind DeeDee Trotter's 50.12. Team officials will decide on who the final four sprinters will be for the finals, and its likely that Dixon will make the cut.

Team USA completed their relay at 3:22.09, finishing with the No. 1 overall time amongst the eight qualifiers. The women's 4x400 meters final will be run at 2:25 p.m. (Central) on Saturday. The Jamaican relay team is likely to be the chief competition for the Americans.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Russell Westbrook Injury: Thunder Star Suffers Ankle Sprain, Questionable For Gold Medal Game

The latest news out of London have to be a relief to concerned Oklahoma City Thunder fans, given the circumstances. Russell Westbrook left Team USA's win over Argentina after landing awkwardly on his ankle with just under four minutes remaining in the game and didn't return. Now reports are indicating that it's a sprain:

Team USA's Russell Westbrook suffered a mild ankle sprain, and his availability for the gold medal game on Sunday is uncertain.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) August 10, 2012

Even without Westbrook, who played for seven minutes in the win over Argentina, Team USA figures to be in good shape headed to the gold medal game against Spain. As NBA contributor Mike Prada points out at the SB Nation mothership, Team USA without Westbrook will rely more on Thunder teammate James Harden for a defensive presence against Spain.

Russell Westbrook Injury: Thunder Star Injures Ankle In Team USA's Win Over Argentina

The United States has, for the most part, coasted through the competition in men's basketball at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, but suffered their first setback when Russell Westbrook left the court in Team USA's win over Argentina on Friday:

Thunder's Russell Westbrook came down awkwardly in the lane, came limping, went immediately to locker room.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) August 10, 2012

Westbrook had nine points in just seven minutes off the bench in the 109-83 win, with the apparent injury coming with under four minutes left in the game, as the U.S. enjoyed a 98-72 lead. He did not return to the game, and headed into the locker room immediately, with assistance.

There's no official word on Westbrook yet, but the win did set up a gold medal match between the United States and Spain, who beat Russia on Friday to qualify for the finals.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA vs. Argentina Preview: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Game Time

Team USA men's basketball team is only two wins away from another gold medal to add to their run in international competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and Argentina is the next opponent to stand in their way. The teams just met two games ago, so it should be interesting to see how Argentina responds from the initial 126-97 victory by the United States.

The teams were much closer at halftime, but Kevin Durant put Argentina away with 8 of 10 shooting from beyond the 3-point line and the U.S. pulled ahead with a ridiculous 42-17 third quarter advantage while coasting to the win. Here's the info you need to catch today's game.

TEAM USA vs. ARGENTINA

When: Friday, August 10 at 4:00 p.m. ET (9:00 p.m. London)

Where: North Greenwich Arena, London, England

TV: NBC Sports Network, NBC Basketball

Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

London 2012 Medal Count: United States Extends Total Lead, Grabs Gold Lead

The United States extended its lead in the overall medal count at the 2012 London Olympics on Thursday. It also took the lead in gold medals as we head into Friday's events.

After Thursday, the U.S. has 90 total medals, including 39 golds, while China is 10 back in total medals and two back in gold. Russia moved into third place with 56 total medals, Great Britain has 52 and Germany is in fifth with 37.

The U.S. day was highlighted by the gold won by the women's soccer team, but the U.S. grabbed four more medals in various track & field events. The women's water polo team also won a gold medal over Spain.

Here are the top five current leaders in total medals:

1. United States - 90 (39, 25, 26)
2. China - 80 (37, 24, 19)
3. Russia - 56 (12, 21, 23)
4. Great Britain - 52 (25, 13, 14)
5. Germany - 37 (10, 16, 11)

For a complete breakdown of the current medal count by country, visit Sports Illustrated's medal count tracker.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympic Games, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Team USA Basketball: London Olympics Might Not Be Last Run For NBA Stars

While Team USA men's basketball is on a winning streak that most sports fans believe will take them to yet another gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, many are also wondering whether or not it will be the last run of its kind. The team is comprised of NBA All-Stars and has been since the Dream Team in 1992, but rumors have been floating that an age cap could kill things and make the Americans far less dominating.

Apparently that's now being challenged or at least postponed long enough to give Team USA another run in Rio in 2016. Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen has the story:

It had been assumed that the new rule would take effect in 2016, which would have made these Olympics the last to feature teams led by the biggest NBA stars. The upcoming Olympic final four of the U.S. vs. Argentina and Spain vs. Russia -- which will conclude with the gold-medal final Sunday -- was being viewed as the likely culmination of the highly successful era that began with the original Dream Team's appearance at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

But the source stressed that quick action on an age limitation is highly unrealistic for FIBA. Passage of the new rule will require the ratification of 213 national basketball federations around the world -- the sporting equivalent of the United Nations. The involvement of the IOC will further complicate the talks.

This year's team is incredibly young and should be able to retain many of its stars -- from LeBron James to Kevin Durant - in 2016.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

London 2012 Medal Count: United States Trails In Gold, Leads Overall

The United States made some strides in the medal count on Wednesday at the 2012 Olympic Games, but they still have a bit of catching up to do if they want to get a true leg up on China. The U.S. now has four medals more than China, but China has two more gold medals than the United States. And you had best believe that the U.S. wants to at least match those gold medals.

There is another heated battle going on for the third spot on the total medal leaderboard, as host country Great Britain has suddenly slipped back into fourth place. Russia reclaimed No. 3 on the list by snaring four more medals than the UK over the last few days.

Here is what the medal count leaderboard looked like heading into Thursday's events.

1. United States - 81 (34, 22, 25)
2. China - 77 (36, 22, 19)
3. Russia - 52 (11, 19, 22)
4. Great Britain - 48 (22, 13, 13)
5. Germany - 32 (7, 15, 10)

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

London Olympics Daily Preview: TV Schedule, Event Time & More

The United States women's soccer team played an instant classic on Monday, playing 123 minutes of some of the most exciting football in recent memory against a tough Canadian team. On Thursday, the U.S. will play in the gold medal match against old foes Japan, who defeated them in the final match of the 2011 women's World Cup.

That match will highlight a full day of action at the 2012 Olympic Games in London on Thursday. Other gold medal finals will include women's platform diving, men's beach volleyball, men's triple jump and the decathlon.

Here is the complete schedule for Thursday's events. All times are ET, except for the coverage televised on NBC, which will air on tape delay at the same time in all time zones. You can of course stream every event live at NBCOlympics.com.

Thursday, Aug. 9

8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (NBCSN)

• Women's Soccer: Bronze Medal Game, Canada vs. France (8 a.m.)
• Synchronized Swimming: Team Qualifying (10 a.m.)
• Women's Wrestling: Qualifying, Repechages, Gold Medal Finals (55 kg and 72 kg classes. 10:45 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.)
  
• Women's Basketball: Semifinal (Noon)
  
• Women's Soccer: Gold Medal Match, Team USA vs. Japan (2:30 p.m.)

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (MSNBC)

• Equestrian: Individual Dressage Final (9 a.m.)
• Men's Field Hockey: Semifinal (11 a.m.)
• Women's Handball: Semifinal (Noon)
• Taekwondo: Semifinals or Finals (1:30 p.m.)
• Women's Volleyball: Semifinals (2:30 p.m.)
• Women's Basketball: Semifinal (4 p.m.)

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (NBC)

• Women's Volleyball: Semifinal (10 a.m.)
• Swimming: Women's 10KM Marathon (11:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m.)
  
• Track & Field: Qualifying Heats (Noon)
  
• Canoe/Kayak: Sprint Discipline Finals (1 p.m.)
• Women's Water Polo: Bronze Medal Match (1:30 p.m.), Gold Medal Match (3 p.m.)
  
• Beach Volleyball: Bronze Medal Match (4 p.m.)

5 - 8 p.m. (CNBC)

• Women's Boxing: Gold Medal Bouts (flyweight, lightweight and middleweight classes)
  

8 p.m. - Midnight (NBC)

• Track & Field: Gold Medal Finals (decathlon, Men's triple jump, 200m, 800m)
  
• Women's Diving: Platform Gold Medal Final
  
• Men's Beach Volleyball: Gold Medal Final
  
• Cycling: Men's BMX Quarterfinals
  

12:35 - 1:35 a.m. (NBC)

• Rhythmic Gymnastics: Qualifying
  
• Track & Field: Women's Javelin Gold Medal Final

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

2012 Olympics Medal Count: USA Leads Overall, China Leads Gold

Thanks to another stellar day in track and field, the United States once again finds itself atop the medal count at the 2012 Olympics.

American Olympians lead the way with 81 overall medals. The United States is second in gold medals with 34, and have 22 silver and 25 bronze medals as well.

The Chinese relinquished the overall medal count to the Americans, but they still lead in gold medals. Chinese Olympians have captured 36 gold medals to go along with 22 silver and 19 bronze medals.

Russia is in third place, distantly, with 52 overall medals. Of Russia's 52 medals, only 11 are gold. The Russians also have 19 silver and 22 bronze, respectively.

Host nation Great Britain and Germany round out the top five. The British have captured 22 gold medals and 48 overall, with the Germans have captured seven gold medals, and 32 overall.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympics, be sure to check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

2012 Olympic Basketball Results: Team USA Defeats Australia, 119-86

Team USA advanced to the semifinals on Wednesday evening, defeating Australia 119-86 in Olympic basketball action.

Patrick Mills led all scorers for the Australian team with 26 points. Mills, however, was just 9-of-20 shooting and coughed up four turnovers.

Team USA led by 14 points at the half, outscoring the Australians by seven points in each of the first two quarters. The two teams each scored 28 in the third quarter, before Team USA pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Australia 35-16 in the final quarter.

Kobe Bryant led Team USA with 20 points, but was only 6-of-14 from the field himself. Bryant, though, was 6-of-10 from beyond the arc.

LeBron James led all players in rebounds, snagging 14 boards -- 11 of which came on defense. James also had a game-high 11 assists, and 11 points, giving up a triple-double.

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant finished with 14 points, two steals and five rebounds in 25 minutes. Russell Westbrook finished with six points in 11 minutes.

Next up for Team USA is a date in one of the two semifinal games against Argentina. It will be a rematch for the two teams, as Team USA defeated Argentina 126-97 in group play on Monday.

For more on the 2012 Olympics, be sure to check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Olympics Medal Count: China Remains Ahead Of United States For Lead

China was able to slightly extend its lead in the medal count after Tuesday's events.

Heading into Wednesday, China leads with 73 total medals, including 34 golds. The United States remains in second with 70 total medals, including 30 golds. Behind the top two, Great Britain and Russia are tied with 48 medals each, although the host has 22 golds, compared to 10 for Russia. Japan remains in fifth with 29 total medals.

China grabbed four medals in the four gymnastics events on the day, while the U.S. grabbed two thanks to Aly Raisman. The U.S. took four medals in various track & field events, while the Chinese won the women's team table tennis gold.

Here are the top five current leaders in total medals:

1. China - 73 (34, 21, 18)
2. United States - 70 (30, 19, 21)
3. Great Britain - 48 (22, 13, 13)
4. Russia - 48 (10, 18, 20)
5. Japan - 29 (2, 13, 14)

For a complete breakdown of the current medal count by country, visit Sports Illustrated's medal count tracker.

2012 London Olympics: Kansas State's Erik Kynard Takes Silver In High Jump

Kansas State's Erik Kynard gave the United States another medal on Tuesday, this one a silver in the men's high jump with a mark of 2.33 meters. The Toledo, Ohio native finished just behind Russia's Ivan Ukhov, who took the gold with a mark of 2.38 meters. Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim took the bronze medal with a mark of 2.29 meters.

Kynard told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that with his noticeable high socks - decorated with the American flag - there's no way he wouldn't medal:

“No way,” Kynard said. “I had to represent. I had to. You can't wear these socks and finish second. My mom's gonna kill me.”

The senior at KSU has spent most of these Olympic Games being noticed as a Kobe Bryant look-a-like:

“I tried to win the gold so I could let the world know my name is Erik Kynard, Jr., not Kobe Jr.” Kynard said. “But hey, maybe they'll appreciate my silver and call me Erik now.”

For the latest on the 2012 London Olympics, be sure to check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

Olympics Medal Count: China, United States Vying For Top Spot In London

Another day at the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London means another day that the United States and China are fighting for a spot at the top of the overall medal count as well as the honor of winning the most gold medals. The Chinese have taken control after ceding both top spots to the Americans over the weekend, and China is currently up two overall medals on the U.S. halfway through today.

Great Briain continues an impressive surge and is now within 20 overall medals of the U.S. for second place.

Leaders

Total

1		China	32	19	14	65
2		United States	29	15	19	63
3		Great Britain	19	12	12	43
4		Korea	11	5	6	22
5		France	8	9	10	27

For a complete breakdown of the current medal count by country, visit Sports Illustrated's medal count tracker.

2012 London Olympics Medal Count: United States Trails China After Monday's Events

The United States continues to trail China in the medal count, although by the smallest of margins.

China leads with 64 total medals, including 31 golds. The U.S. is one medal back and two back in the golds. Behind the top two, Russia has 41 medals, Great Britain has 40 — including 18 golds — and Japan is in fifth with 29 medals.

Among Monday's events, China picked up two medals in gymnastics, while the U.S. grabbed two in track & field. The United States women's soccer team clinched a medal, as it won its semifinal match against Canada earlier in the day.

Here are the top five current leaders in total medals:

1. China - 64 (31, 19, 14)
2. United States - 63 (29, 15, 19)
3. Russia - 41 (7, 17, 17)
4. Great Britain - 40 (18, 11, 11)
5. Japan - 29 (2, 12, 15)

For a complete breakdown of the current medal count by country, visit Sports Illustrated's medal count tracker.

2012 Olympic Basketball Final Score: USA Defeats Argentina 126-97

What looked like a close game at halftime wound up being a blowout win for the United States of America. The USA basketball team led by just one point over Argentina at half, but a monster third quarter set the Americans apart, as the USA went on to win convincingly, 126-97.

2012's version of the Dream Team outscored the Argentinean team 42-17 in the third quarter en route to the rout.

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant played a large role in the win, scoring a game-high 28 points. Durant was 9-of-12 shooting, including 8-of-10 beyond the arc. Durant also added five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Durant's teammate Russell Westbrook was just 1-of-8 shooting and scored just four points, but did provide for this posterization moment:

LeBron James added 18 points of his own -- second highest behind Durant for the Americans.

The United States will now participate in the knockout round, as the Americans look to claim the gold medal yet again in men's basketball.

For the latest on the 2012 London Olympics, be sure to check out SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

2012 London Olympics Medal Count: Great Britain Surges Toward China, United States

The latest medal count is out at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the race between and the United States refuses to lose any ounce of the intensity since the games first started. Currently China leads with 31 gold medals and 64 overall. The United States is in second with 61 overall medals, 28 of them being gold medals. Over the weekend, the U.S. was leading in overall medals, so it's clear that everything can change with each new day.

Amazingly enough, Great Britain, the host country for the 2012 Olympics, is enjoying a nice surge all the way into third place with 40, having jumped Russia in the process. They now sit only 10 gold medals behind the United States and it's a very impressive showing for the UK.

Here's a more complete look at the medal count:

1. China, 64 (31 gold, 21 silver, 14 bronze)
2. United States, 61 (28, 14, 19)
3. Great Britain, 40 (18, 11, 11)
4. Russia, 38 (5, 17, 16)
5. Japan, 28 (2, 12, 14)

For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics hub.

2012 London Olympics: China Leads United States 59-56 In Medal Count Standings

The United States were unable to pick up any medals on during Sunday's events in the 2012 London Olympics as events like badminton and individual men's gymnastics came to a close without an American medal threat. The Chinese were able to acquire gold medals on the prestigious racket event and on the men's floor exercise to surge ahead of the United States in total medals and gold medals.

China's 59 total medals and 29 golds lead all countries, but with events like basketball and track and field looming, the Americans have plenty of time to catch up and possibly overtake the leaders.

Great Britain also picked up a gold medal on Sunday, as Andy Murray got revenge at Wimbledon by defeating Roger Federer in straight sets to win gold at the All England Lawn and Tennis club.

Here are the top five current leaders in total medals:

1. China - 59 (29, 16, 14)
2. United States - 56 (27, 14, 15)
3. Great Britain - 36 (16, 10, 10)
4. Russia - 33 (3, 16, 14)
5. Japan - 25 (2, 11, 12)

For a complete breakdown of the current medal count by country, visit Sports Illustrated's medal count tracker.

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SBNation.com coverage. Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for video commentary. SB Nation Kansas City is your source for local sports news and updates.

2012 London Olympics: Former Kansas Player Sasha Kaun Helping Russian Basketball Team Go Undefeated

Sasha Kaun played for a high-profile college basketball team in his time with the Kansas Jayhawks from 2005-08. Now he's finding another chance to play on the biggest platform available to him with the Russian national team in London at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The Russians are undefeated at this point in the competition in group play at 4-0, including a surprising win over Spain. That means that the team is setting itself up well for medal contention and a potential gold medal showdown with the United States.

Kaun is the first Jayhawk men's basketball player to participate in the Olympic Games since Danny Manning competed for the United States in 1988, winning the bronze medal. Kaun currently plays professionally for CSKA Moscow and is no stranger to international play. He was also a member of the Russian National Team, which competed in the 2010 World Championships in Turkey.

Kaun averaged 5.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game so far in Olympic play.

2012 Olympics: TV Listings and Event Schedule For Sunday

The last full week of the Olympics gets underway early Sunday morning. As always television coverage will be spread out amongst the NBC family of networks in addition to live streaming from NBC's official Olympics site.

Here is a look at Sunday's complete schedule:

NBC Sports Network (4 a.m.-7 p.m.)

• Badminton: Men's Singles Bronze Medal Match (4 a.m.)
• Cycling: Track events (5 a.m.)
• Badminton: Men's Doubles Bronze Medal Match (6:30 a.m.)
• Tennis: Mixed Doubles Gold Medal Match (7 a.m.)
• Women's Volleyball: China vs. South Korea (8:30 a.m.)
• Synchronized Swimming: Duet qualifying (10 a.m.)
• Shooting: Men's Pistol Final (11:50 a.m.)
• Tennis: Women's Doubles Final (12:15 p.m.)
• Women's Beach Volleyball: Quarterfinal Match (2 p.m.)
• Badminton: Men's Singles Gold Medal Match (3 p.m.)
• Weightlifing: Women's 75kg (3:30 p.m.)
• Women's Volleyball: Italy vs. Russia (4:15 p.m.)
• Women's Volleyball: Brazil vs. Serbia (5 p.m.)

NBC (6 a.m.-6 p.m.)

• Track and Field: Women's Marathon (6 a.m.)
• Tennis: Men's Singles Gold Medal Match: Roger Federer vs. Andy Murray (9 a.m.)
• Women's Basketball: USA vs. China (11:30 a.m.)
• Equestrian: Team Jumping Final (1:30 p.m.)
• Women's Water Polo: Quarterfinal (2 p.m.)
• Women's Volleyball: USA vs. Turkey (3 p.m.)
• Cycling: Women's Track Final (4:30 p.m.)
• Women's Beach Volleyball: Quarterfinal Match (5 p.m.)

MSNBC (7 a.m.-6 p.m.)

• Tennis: Men's Bronze Medal Match: Novak Djokovic vs. Juan Martin del Potro (7 a.m.)
• Table Tennis: Men's Team Quarterfinal (9 a.m.)
• Women's Water Polo: Quarterfinals (9:45 a.m.)
• Wrestling: Greco-Roman Qualifying Matches (12:15 p.m.)
• Beach Volleyball: Women's Quarterfinal (1 p.m.)
• Men's Field Hockey: Great Britain vs. Australia (2 p.m.)
• Women's Water Polo: Quarterfinal (3:30 p.m.)
• Wrestling: Men's 55kg Finals; Men's 74kg Finals (4:20 p.m.)
• Women's Handball: Denmark vs. France (5:15 p.m.)

CNBC (8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)

• Boxing: Women's flyweight, lightweight, and middleweight elimination bouts

CNBC (3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.)

• Boxing: Men's bantamweight and heavyweight quarterfinals

NBC (7 p.m.-midnight)

• Track and Field: Men's 100m, Women's 400m, Men's 400M Semifinals, Men's 1500M Semifinals, Women's Triple Jump Final, Women's 400m Hurdles First Round
• Gymnastics: Men's Floor Exercise Final, Women's Vault Final, Men's Pommel Horse
• Diving: Women's 3m Springboard Final
• Beach Volleyball: Women's Quarterfinal Match

NBC (12:35 a.m.-1:35 a.m.)

• Track and Field: Men's Hammer Throw Final, Men's Steeplechase Final, Men's High Jump Qualifying Rounds
• Badminton: Men's Singles Final

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SBNation.com coverage.

2012 Olympic Medal Count: United States Takes Slim Lead Over China

The United States retook the lead over China for the overall medal count at the 2012 London Olympics after the eighth day. The two countries took turns swapping the lead for most medals, but at the end of the Saturday it was Team USA who holds a one medal lead over China, 54-53.

On Saturday the United States won two more medals in the pool by winning the men's and women's 4x100m medley relay. Then in track and field the United States won a silver medal in the women's 100m and Galen Rupp also won a silver medal in the men's 10,000m. Then in the long jump Will Claye won a bronze medal.

Here's a more complete look at the medal count:

Leaders

Total

1		United States	26	13	15	54
2		China	25	16	12	53
3		United Kingdom	14	7	8	29
4		Korea	9	3	5	17
5		France	8	6	8	22
6		Germany	5	10	6	21
7		Italy	5	5	3	13
8		Kazakhstan	5	-	-	5
9		DPR Korea	4	-	1	5
10		Russia	3	15	10	28
11		Netherlands	3	1	4	8
12		South Africa	3	1	-	4
13		New Zealand	3	-	4	7
14		Japan	2	10	12	24
15		Cuba	2	2	1	5
16		Hungary	2	1	2	5
17		Poland	2	1	1	4
18		Ukraine	2	-	5	7
19		Australia	1	12	7	20
20		Romania	1	4	2	7
21		Canada	1	3	6	10
22		Belarus	1	2	3	6
23		Denmark	1	2	2	5
24		Czech Republic	1	2	1	4
25		Brazil	1	1	4	6
26		Croatia	1	1	-	2
27		Slovenia	1	-	2	3
28		Ethiopia	1	-	1	2
28		Jamaica	1	-	1	2
30		Georgia	1	-	-	1
30		Lithuania	1	-	-	1
30		Switzerland	1	-	-	1
30		Venezuela	1	-	-	1
34		Mexico	-	3	1	4
35		Sweden	-	3	-	3
36		Colombia	-	2	1	3
36		Spain	-	2	1	3
38		Slovakia	-	1	3	4
39		India	-	1	2	3
40		Belgium	-	1	1	2
40		Indonesia	-	1	1	2
40		Kenya	-	1	1	2
40		Mongolia	-	1	1	2
40		Norway	-	1	1	2
40		Serbia	-	1	1	2
46		Egypt	-	1	-	1
46		Guatemala	-	1	-	1
46		Thailand	-	1	-	1
46		Chinese Taipei	-	1	-	1
50		Greece	-	-	2	2
50		Moldova	-	-	2	2
52		Azerbaijan	-	-	1	1
52		Hong Kong, China	-	-	1	1
52		Iran	-	-	1	1
52		Qatar	-	-	1	1
52		Singapore	-	-	1	1
52		Tunisia	-	-	1	1
52		Uzbekistan	-	-	1	1

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SBNation.com coverage.

2012 London Olympics: Russia Shocks Serge Ibaka's Spanish Squad, 77-74

Spain jumped out to a 20-2 lead to begin the Group B matchup with Russia at the 2012 London Olympics on Saturday and went into the second quarter with a 28-11 lead, but the Russians fought back valiantly in the second and third quarters outscoring the Spaniards 21-12 and 24-13 respectively and ultimately coming away with a three-point victory, 77-74.

Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol had 20 points and grabbed five rebounds while his brother, Marc Gasol, an All-Star center for the Memphis Grizzlies scored 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but it wasn't enough to hold off Russia.

Oklahoma City Thunder big man, Serge Ibaka, barely saw any action in the contest as he played just nine minutes and scored two points and grabbed three rebounds in the loss.

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SBNation.com coverage. Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for video commentary. SB Nation Kansas City is your source for local sports news and updates.

2012 London Olympics Power Rankings: Michael Phelps, NBC And More

What has been missing from the Olympics? A power rankings list, of course!

SB Nation's Andrew Sharp compiled a top-25 list for the first week of the London Games. Both ends of the list should be surprising. At No. 1 is Michael Phelps, who has won his record 20th Olympic medal. Was there any doubt that would be the top moment? At the bottom is NBC and their controversial — but apparently possibly profitable — tape-delay strategy. We can complain all we want, but it's working, for some reason.

The list also includes is the Opening Ceremony, the good-looking Dutch field hockey team, Ryan Lochte's disappointment and Samuel L. Jackson's Twitter love for all things Olympic.

And that's just the first week. There will be more Power Rankings to come.

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SBNation.com coverage.

2012 Summer Olympic Games: Mizzou Alum Christian Cantwell Seeks Medal In London

Christian Cantwelll, a seven-year volunteer assistant for the Mizzou track and field staff and Tigers alumni, finished in the top 12 of the shot put qualifying round at the Summer Olympics in London on Friday.

With a throw of 20.41 meters, Cantwell achieved the "predetermined distance" set by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Technical Delegates, and he finished ninth out of 39 other shot putters Friday morning.

Cantwell is one of three Americans to advance past the qualifying round. Reese Hoffa and Ryan Whiting will also compete in the finals, which is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. CT.

Each competitor had three throws in the qualifying round, The finals consist of two more rounds, with each getting three more throws in the first round. The eight athletes with the longest distances will advance to the final round and get three additional throws.

The athlete with the longest throw in the last round will take home the gold medal. Cantwell won a silver medal in Beijing in 2008, the first medal for a former or current Tiger since 1992.

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SBNation.com coverage.

London Olympics 2012: Friday's Event Schedule and TV Info

The highlights for Friday include the USA women's basketball team taking on the Czech Republic, and the women's soccer team facing New Zealand. NBC's family of networks will bring both of them to you, along with a host of other events.

Here is the list of Friday's events and the networks on which they will be televised. (All times ET):

(CNBC)

Boxing (3-4 a.m.)

Boxing (8:30-11:30 a.m.)

Boxing (5-8 p.m.)

(NBCSN)

Beach volleyball (3-4 a.m.)

Women's volleyball: Brazil vs. China (5-6:30 a.m.)

Beach volleyball (6:30-7 a.m.)

Women's soccer: Sweden vs. France (7-8:45 a.m.)

Women's volleyball: Japan vs. Russia (8:45-9:30 a.m.)

Women's soccer: USA vs. New Zealand (9:30-11:15 a.m.)

Archery: Men's individual final (11:15 a.m.-noon)

Women's soccer: Brazil vs. Japan (noon-1:45 p.m.)

Shooting (1:45-2 p.m.)

Boxing (2-2:30 p.m.)

Women's soccer: Great Britain vs. Canada (2:30-4:15 p.m.)

Weightlifting (4:15-5 p.m.)

Women's basketball: USA vs. Czech Republic (5-7 p.m.)

Beach volleyball (7-8 p.m.)

(NBC)

Track & Field: Qualifying rounds (10-10:30 a.m.)

Rowing (10:30-10:45 a.m.)

Swimming: Qualifying heats (10:45-11:30 a.m.)

Track & Field: Qualifying rounds (11:30 a.m.-noon)

Beach volleyball (noon-2 p.m.)

Swimming: Qualifying heats (2-2:30 p.m.)

Women's water polo: USA vs. China (2:30-3:45p.m.)

Rowing: Four finals (3:45-4 p.m.)

Cycling: Track final (4-4:15 p.m.)

Track & Field (4:15-5 p.m.)

8 p.m.-midnight

Swimming finals: Men's 100M butterfly

Track & Field

Diving

Women's volleyball: USA vs. Serbia

Gymnastics: Men's trampoline final

(MSNBC)

Gymnastics (9-10:30 a.m.)

Women's water polo: Russia vs. Australia (10:30-11:30 a.m.)

Women's handball: Russia vs. Brazil (11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.)

Women's water polo: Spain vs. Hungary (12:45-1:45 p.m.)

Equestrian: Team dressage qualifying (1:45-2:45 p.m.)

Table Tennis: USA vs Japan (2:45-3:30 p.m.)

Badminton: Mixed doubles final: China vs. China (3:30-4 p.m.)

Beach volleyball (4-6 p.m.)

(Bravo)

Men's tennis: Semifinals (7 a.m.-3 p.m.)

VIDEO: Michael Phelps, Rebecca Soni Among Team USA Swimming Heroes At 2012 London Olympics

2012 London Olympics Medal Count: United States Ties China In Gold Medal Count With 18

The United States and China have been vying at the top of the standings in terms of overall medal count and even for the amount of gold medals apiece at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and the U.S. has finally matched China near the end of the first week with an impressive day today at the games.

The U.S. and China now both have 18 gold medals apiece, but the United States is now up by three medals with 37 overall. China has 34 and sits in second place, far above the next several countries. Japan is next with 19 medals and Germany and Russia are tied with 17 apiece. It's a major change from just a day ago when North Korea, South Korea and France were all near the top of the leaderboard.

Day by day things change so rapidly, so it's likely to be another flip-flop at the top of the standings by tomorrow at this time.

London Olympics Medal Count: China Leads, USA In Second Place

The People's Republic of China is having the best showing of any country so far at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Through Wednesday's contests, the Chinese lead both in gold medals and overall medal count.

China has captured 17 gold medals, which is five more than its closest competitor. Chinese athletes have also captured nine silver and four bronze medals, giving them a whopping 30 medals through August 1.

The United States of America isn't too far behind, however. American athletes have captured the second most gold medals with 12, and are only one behind China's overall count with 29. The Americans have brought home eight silver and nine bronze medals as well.

Japan is in third place, with 17 overall medals. The Japanese, however, only have two gold medals to boast thus far, but do have four silver and 11 bronze medals.

Germany and France are tied for fifth with 13 medals each. The French have captured five gold, three silver and five bronze, while the Germans have three gold, eight silver and two bronze medals thus far.

For the latest on the 2012 Olympic Games, head over to SB Nation's dedicated Olympics hub.

2012 Olympics Results: United States Wins Gold In 4 x 200m Women's Freestyle Relay

London Olympics Medal Count: U.S. Still Tied With China For Total Medals

The Oklahoma City Thunder trio of "locals" helped the United States cruise past Tunisia during Tuesday's events at the London Olympic Games, while the Americans and Chinese are neck and neck in the medal race. The score atop the medal leader board remains tied between the United States and China at 23 medals each, with the Chinese boasting a 13-9 advantage in gold medals over the Americans. Rounding out the top five is Japan, with 13 total medals, France (11 total) and South Korea (nine).

The U.S. has plenty of time to make up ground in the gold. American took the women's team gymnastics event and various swimming individuals on Monday and Tuesday, but with the bulk of the medal events ahead (you can mark off mens basketball, we're confident) it's still anyone's Olympics.

You can find a complete medal count and breakdown at SI.com.

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SBNation.com coverage. Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for video commentary. SB Nation Kansas City is your source for local sports news and updates.

2012 London Olympics: Michael Phelps Breaks Record With 19 Medals

History has indeed been made at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Michael Phelps has now become the most decorated Olympian in U.S. history with the arrival of yet another gold medal for Team USA men's swim team in today's 4x200 freestyle relay.

Gold for the U.S. in the men's 4x200 freestyle relay. With 19 Olympic medals, Michael Phelps stands alone among all Olympians.

— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) July 31, 2012

Phelps has not been the same swimmer as he was back in 2008 in Beijing, China, but that was a historic performance rarely seen. The fact that he can continue to win four years later and compete at such a high level among the greatest athletes in the world is a testament to his incredible ability. The amazing part is that there's even more to come.

Stick with SB Nation Kansas City for coverage of local athletes in the Olympic Games. For full coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub.

2012 Olympics Medal Count: United States Trying To Pull Away

On Tuesday at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, the United States scored a huge victory by taking the gold medal in the women's team gymnastics event. What's more, since China failed to medal in the event, the two countries remain tied in total medal count, while the U.S. gains ground on China's gold medal lead.

China has 10 gold medals and leads the pack in that respect, although a shooting gold and the gymnastics gold on Tuesday give the U.S. seven gold medals, only three off the pace with plenty of swimming and gymnastics events forthcoming.

Both China and the U.S. lead all countries with 19 total medals each, while Japan is in third place with 12. France has the third-most gold medals, with four. France is fourth in medal count with nine total.

You can find a complete medal count and breakdown at SI.com.

Stick with SB Nation Kansas City for coverage of local athletes in the Olympic Games. For full coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub.

U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team Takes Home First Gold Medal In 20 Years

The United States women's gymnastics team has finally accomplished what they had tried to do in the last several Summer Olympic games: win the gold medal. While the individual competitions still are to be played out, the team competitions are now over and the U.S. has taken gold for the first time in 20 years.

BREAKING: US wins Olympic gold medal in women's team gymnastics, 2nd ever and 1st since 1996. -EF

— The Associated Press (@AP) July 31, 2012

The American succeeded from the outset by establishing dominance on the vault. Every American put in a tremendous score and the gold medal became theirs to lose at that point. The last time the Americans won the gold medal was the moment that Kerri Strug became famous as a household name for her vault with an injury. It's likely that these women achieve that level of fame as well.

Read more of our Olympic coverage at this StoryStream and SBNation.com.

London Olympics 2012: Day 4 Event Schedule, TV Info And More

For all the conversation about NBC not airing the Summer Olympics live in London this year, it doesn't seem to be taking away from what has been an incredible Olympics so far.

Tuesday's action began with the U.S. and China tied for the medal count, as the two countries will likely go back and forth on that throughout the games. Take a look at Tuesday's schedule here:

4 a.m. - 8 p.m. (NBCSN)

Men's Basketball: China vs. Russia (4 a.m.), France vs. Argentina (3 p.m.) , USA vs. Tunisia (5:15 p.m.)
Equestrian: Eventing Team Jumping Final (6 a.m.), Eventing Individual Jumping Finals (9:15 a.m.)
Men's Water Polo: Hungary vs. Montenegro (8:15 a.m.)
Women's Soccer: USA vs. North Korea (12:15 p.m.)
Beach Volleyball: Qualifying (2 p.m.)
Men's Shooting: Skeet Gold Medal Final (11:45 a.m.)
7 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Bravo)

Tennis: Second Round Singles and Doubles Quarterfinals
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (MSNBC)

Women's Table Tennis: Quarterfinal (9 a.m.)
Women's Soccer: Canada vs. Sweden (9:30 a.m.), France vs. Colombia (12:15 p.m.), Great Britain vs. Brazil (3:30 p.m.)
Badminton: Qualifying (11:15 a.m.)
Women's Field Hockey: USA vs. Argentina (2 p.m.)
Women's Table Tennis: Semifinal (4:30 p.m.)
Men's Archery: Individual Elimination Round (5 p.m.)
Weightlifting: Men's 69 kg, Women's 63 kg Classes (5:30 p.m.)
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (NBC)

Men's Canoeing: Whitewater, C-1 Gold Medal Final (12 p.m.)
Swimming: Qualifying (9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.)
Rowing: Quarterfinals, semifinals, and repechages (10:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m.)
Men's Volleyball: USA vs. Germany (10:45 a.m.)
Men's Water Polo: USA vs. Romania (1:40 p.m.)
Beach Volleyball: Qualifying (3 p.m.)
5 - 8 p.m. (CNBC)

Boxing: Elimination Bouts (light flyweight and light welterweight classes)
8 p.m. - Midnight (NBC)

Women's Gymnastics: Team Gold Medal Final
Swimming: Gold Medal Finals (Men's 200m butterfly, 4x200m freestyle relay; Women's 200m freestyle, 200m individual medley)
Women's Diving: Platform Synchronized Gold Medal Final
12:30 - 1:35 a.m. (NBC)

Swimming: Semifinals (Women's 200m butterfly, Men's 200m breaststroke)
Beach Volleyball: USA vs. TBD

Read more of our Olympic coverage at this StoryStream and SBNation.com.

Olympics Medal Count: China, United States Tied Overall In London Games

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London continue with day four today, currently underway, but here's an early morning look Stateside at the medal count going into today. The United States continues to keep pace with China with each passing day, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out as the games go on.

The Chinese national teams are enjoying tremendous success at the top with an incredible nine gold medals -- far and away the best of anyone at these games. Not listed in the top five is Great Britain who has three medals, one silver and two bronze.

Here is a look at the top five in the medal count right here:

China: 17 (9 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze)
United States: 17 (5, 7, 5)
Japan: 11 (1, 4, 6)
Italy: 8 (2, 4, 2)
France: 7 (3, 1, 3)

For a complete rundown of the overall medal count, check out the official listings here.

Read more of our Olympic coverage at this StoryStream and SBNation.com.

2012 London Olympics: Tuesday's Event Schedule And TV Coverage

The fourth day of the 2012 London Olympic games gets underway on Tuesday, highlighted by Team USA taking on Tunisia in basketball. However, there will be other events going on as well and here is a comprehensive list of the events that will take place and the accompanying television coverage and the networks that will air them:Bravo
Tennis: Singles second round and Doubles quarterfinals (7 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

CNBC
Boxing: Elimination bouts (5 p.m. - 8 p.m.)

MSNBC
Table Tennis: Women's quarterfinals (9 a.m.)
Women's Soccer: Canada vs. Sweden (9:30 a.m.)
Men's Badminton: Qualifying match (11:15 a.m.)
Women's Soccer: France vs. Colombia (12:15 p.m.)
Women's Field Hockey: USA vs. Argentina (2 p.m.)
Women's Soccer: Great Britain vs. Brazil (3:30 p.m.)
Table Tennis: Women's semifinal (4:30 p.m.)
Archery: Individual matches (5 p.m.)
Weightlifting: Women's 63kg event, Men's 69kg event (5:30 p.m.)

NBC
Canoeing: Men's C-1 Whitewater final (10 a.m.)
Swimming: Qualifying (10:30 a.m.)
Rowing: Qualifying (11:15 a.m.)
Men's Volleyball: USA vs. Germany (11:45 a.m.)
Swimming: Qualifying (1:30 p.m.)
Rowing: Qualifying (2:15 p.m.)
Men's Water Polo: USA vs. Romania (2:40 p.m.)
Men's Beach Volleyball: Qualifying (4 p.m.)
8 p.m. - Midnight
Women's gymnastics: Team final
Diving: Women's Synchronized 10m platform final
Swimming: Women's 200m freestyle, Men's 200m butterfly, Women's 200m IM, Men's 4x200m freestyle relay

NBC Sports Network
Men's Basketball: China vs. Russia (4 a.m.)
Equestrian: Team eventing final (5:45 a.m.)
Men's Water Polo: Hungary vs. Montenegro (8:15 a.m.)
Equestrian: Individual Jumping (9:15 a.m.)
Men's Beach Volleyball: Qualifying match (10:35 a.m.)
Women's Beach Volleyball: Qualifying match (11:15 a.m.)
Women's Soccer: USA vs. North Korea (12:15 p.m.)
Boxing: Men's flyweight and light welterweight elimination bouts (2 p.m.)
Men's Basketball: France vs. Argentina (3 p.m.)
Shooting: Men's Skeet Final (4:45 p.m.)
Men's Basketball: USA vs. Tunisia (5:15 p.m.)
Men's Volleyball: Brazil vs. Russia (7:15 p.m.)

Stick with SB Nation Kansas City for coverage of local athletes in the Olympic Games. For full coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub.

2012 London Olympics: Oklahoma City Thunder Trio Ready To Face Tunisia On Tuesday

It stands to reason the Tunisian basketball team will have virtually no chance against Team USA on Tuesday, the fourth official day of the 2012 London Olympic Games, and the Oklahoma City Thunder triumvirate of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden will make sure of it.

Team USA is currently 1-0 in the preliminary Group A matchups after defeating France in their opener on Sunday.

Kevin Durant led the United States in scoring with 22 points and also grabbed nine rebounds in the 98-71 blowout victory. Off the bench, Russell Westbrook added nine points, four rebounds and three assists to the American's cause while James Harden scored five points.

As a team, the United States whot 49 percent from the field and 74 percent from the free-throw line.

Stick with SB Nation Kansas City for coverage of local athletes in the Olympic Games. For full coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub.

2012 Olympic Medal Count: USA Ties China For Lead On Monday

The Americans tied the medal count with China on Monday at the Olympics in London with a really solid day in the swimming pool, although the popular Ryan Lochte had yet another disappointing performance.

Lochte, the favorite to win the 200m freestyle race on Monday, placed fourth, while Yannick Agnel of France took the gold. Fortunately for the Americans, Matt Grevers and Nick Thorman took the gold and silver medals in the men's 100m backstroke.

Take a look at the top five in the medal count right here:

China, 17 (9 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze)
United States, 17 (5, 7, 5)
Japan, 11 (1, 4, 6)
Italy, 8 (2, 4, 2)
France, 7 (3, 1, 3)

It's also worth noting the only team beyond that top five with three gold medals is North Korea; Great Britain moved into a five-way tie for ninth with its third medal.

Read more of our Olympic coverage at this StoryStream and SBNation.com.

VIDEO: 2012 London Olympics Medal Count: United States, China Tied Atop Standings

Another day is in the books in London for the 2012 Summer Olympic games, and the United States and China continue their hold atop the standings of the medal count. The good news for Team USA is that they have now tied China for the most medals despite the differential in gold medals. Check out the latest video from SB Nation breaking down the results from day three.

VI

London Olympics 2012: Ryan Lochte, USA Team Swims For Gold

Ryan Lochte and the USA Olympic swimmers will compete for gold medals on Sunday at the Aquatics Center at 2:30 p.m. ET. Lochte is the clear favorite to win the 200-meter freestyle as he attempts to redeem himself from his performance on Sunday at the end of the men's 4x100 relay.

The Americans have a chance to sweep the swimming medals on Monday, with Missy Franklin competing in the women's 100m backstroke, Matt Grevers the favorite in the men's 100m backstroke, and Rebecca Soni and Breeja Larson in the women's 100m breaststroke.

Lochte's challengers include Sun Yang of China, who won a gold medal in the 400m free in this Olympic and Yannick Agnel of France, who beat Lochte by a full second in the anchor leg of the 4x100 relay on Sunday.

Check out the schedule for those events right here:

2:43 p.m. - Men's 200m Freestyle
2:51 p.m. - Women's 100m Backstroke
2:58 p.m. - Men's 100m Backstroke
3:15 p.m. - Women's 100m Breaststroke

Read more of our Olympic coverage at this StoryStream.

Team USA Basketball: Kobe Bryant Says Dream Team Better Overall Roster

The debate will continue to rage every four years. Is the current Team USA men's basketball squad better than the original Dream Team formed in 1992 to start a string of dominating American performances. Whether it was 2004, 2008 or this year, the question is always asked. Now Kobe Bryant, a man with significant international experience, is backing off earlier comments that the current team is better by clarifying his remarks made earlier this summer.

"I didn't say we were a better team," Bryant said. "But if you think we can't beat that team one time? Like I'm going to say no, that we'd never beat them. They are a better team. The question was 'Can we beat them?' Yes we can. Of course we can."

The current USA roster is anchored by high scorers Kevin Durant and LeBron James along with several others. However, the team's lack of size might be what sets them apart from Michael Jordan and company.

"The fact is, they have [Patrick] Ewing and [David] Robinson and those big guys, it's tough," Bryant added. "If you're asking me, 'Can you beat them one game?' Hell yeah, we can beat them in one game. You didn't ask me if we could beat them in a 7-game series. In one game, we can beat them. No question about it."

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SB Nation Olympic hub page.

2012 London Olympics: Biggest Challenge For USA Basketball Might Be Russia

Leading up to the Olympics, it was thought that the United States and Spain were destined for a rematch in the gold medal game. But after every team has taken the court once, Russia looks like the potential second best team in the field.

Russia easily handled hosts Great Britain, 95-75, behind the inside-out duo of Alexey Shved and Andrei Kirilenko. Teammates last year with European power CSKA Moscow and and future teammates in Minnesota this coming season, Shved and Kirilenko were nothing short of spectacular against the Brits.

If Russia wins Group B, it's highly plausible that the United States and Spain could meet before the gold medal game. As we have known for the last decade, the rest of the basketball world has caught up withe the United States and it will no longer be a cakewalk to the top of that podium.

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SB Nation Olympic hub page.

2012 London Olympics: Sasha Kaun Helps Russia Beat Great Britain

Former Kansas Jayhawks center Sasha Kaun started on Sunday and helped Russia defeat Great Britain, 95-75. Kaun played 19 minutes and registered five points and two rebounds.

Kaun is the first Jayhawk basketball player to participate in the Olympic Games since Danny Manning was a part of the United States team in 1988.

Outside of his international experience, Kaun plays professionally for CSKA Moscow.

Kaun's teammate, Andrei Kirilenko, did much of the damage for Russia. He scored 35 points and missed just three of his 17 shots from the field.

Kaun and his Russian teammates are back in action again on Tuesday when they face China. The Chinese national team fell by 16 points to Spain in its first game.

Two wins for Russia would put the team in prime position for the medal round, as the top four teams from each group advance.

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SB Nation Olympic hub page.

VIDEO: Michelle Obama Offers Hugs To LeBron James, Rest Of Team

The First Lady Michelle Obama made a recent appearance at the game pitting Team USA versus France in the first official contest for the United States at the 2012 London Olympics, and the team looks like they were equally glad to see her after the game as they all lined up for hugs from the President's wife. Check out the video below of Kevin Durant, LeBron James and the rest of Team USA getting a bit of love and encouragement from the most powerful basketball fans in the world.

Read more on the Olympics at our StoryStream and the SB Nation Olympic hub page.

London Olympics Medal Count 2012: China, United States On Top

As the 2012 London Olympics get underway during day three, there is little change at the top of the overall leaderboard as China and the United States still lead during the summer games with 12 and 11 medals overall atop the medal count. The Chinese are excelling in the most sports with six gold medals apiece, while the Americans have three.

Shooting, diving, weightlifting and judo are among the many sports starting early today so the medal count should change quite a bit as some countries begin to see their specialties coming along in the schedule.

Here's the official count for the top five countries with gold, silver, bronze and total medals combined:

1		China	6	4	2	12
2		United States	3	5	3	11
3		Italy	2	3	2	7
4		Korea	2	1	2	5
5		France	2	1	1	4

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London Olympics Medal Count: China, United States Lead All Countries

The United States is trailing China in the second day of competition in London during the 2012 Summer Olympics, a sign of the power of both countries. It's likely a pairing at the top that will remain throughout the rest of the festivities until the closing ceremonies. For the official medal count, the British are not currently in the top five, but they will have several more opportunities forthcoming as the games go on.

Interestingly enough Kazakhstan is in seventh place in the medal count through two days with two gold medals, a strong showing for a smaller country. The host UK only has two medals so far, one silver and one bronze.

Here's the official count for the top five countries with gold, silver, bronze and total medals combined:

1		China	6	4	2	12
2		United States	3	5	3	11
3		Italy	2	3	2	7
4		Korea	2	1	2	5
5		France	2	1	1	4

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VIDEO: Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps-Led U.S. Team Upset By France In 4x100m Relay

Olympic glory can come in a moment's notice when it's least expected, yet it can also be taken away just as quickly. Ryan Lochte made himself an instant household name just yesterday with the win over Michael Phelps and the rest of the field to earn a gold medal for the United States in the men's 400m Individual Medley. Today he choked away the gold medal for the U.S. as he faded down the stretch and the French team overtook him to win the 4x100m Relay.

Lochte mentioned earlier that he was tired during a qualifying round from celebrating out too late with his family. Perhaps that played into things as you can clearly see him in the lead for the United States below in this video only to fall back in the very final stretch. Here's the complete vid below:

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Ryan Lochte Overshadows Michael Phelps For Team USA Early In London Olympics

Michael Phelps is already getting a bit lost amid the conversation about other emerging athletes from the United States, most notably Ryan Lochte who bested Phelps for the gold medal in the 400m IM -- an event in which Phelps did not even place in the top three. Now Lochte is on a roll and providing the United States with hopes of further glory as he became one of the top two qualifiers for the men's 200m freestyle.

Interestingly enough, Lochte finished alongside Sun Yang of China but says this isn't even an event that's up his alley.

"I'll try to do my best, but the 200 freestyle is not my best event," he said. "It's more difficult for me compared to the 400 meters or the 1,500 meters."

Lochte was soaking in the glory of his gold medal win in the 400m IM well into the night in London, so he didn't think he was prepared properly for the qualifying round. It turns out he'll be just fine.

"I didn't get to bed until like 2 a.m. so I'm a little tired, but it was a prelims swim, so I'm not too worried about it," said Lochte.

With so much natural talent on the side of the U.S., both with Lochte who is shining and Phelps who is searching, the Americans are bound to come home with multiple medals from London in swimming.

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2012 Olympic Medal Count: China Leads After Day 1, U.S.A Tied With Italy For Second

China leads the medal count after the first day of the 2012 London Olympic Games with six total medals with four of them being gold and the other two being silver medals. Just behind China is the United States and Italy who are currently tied with five medals each.

So far the only gold medal that the United States has won was in swimming when Ryan Lochte had no issues in winning th 400m IM. The United States also won a pair of bronze medals in swimming in the men's 400m freestyle with Peter Vanderkaay finishing third, and the other was in the women's 400m freestyle relay.

Two of China's four gold medals came in swimming, one in shooting and the other came in weight lifting. Italy's gold medals came in fencing with their other came in archery where they defeated the United States in a thrilling finish.

Here is the current top five medal count by country.

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VIDEO: Ryan Lochte Bests Michael Phelps For Gold Medal In 400m IM

Michael Phelps failed in his first bid to attain a gold medal and further Olympic glory today when Ryan Lochte bested him for first place in the 400m IM in early action in London for the 2012 Summer Olympic games. Not only this but Phelps failed to even place, taking fourth which places him outside of any medal contention at all. Now he faces even more pressure in other events.

Phelps is, of course, the hero of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic games and is expected to make further waves for himself, pardon the pun, in London this year. Ryan Lochte began to pull ahead, however, in the backstroke which is referred to as "his specialty here." Check out the complete action from live on site below. The announcer and crowd only enliven the drama and special effects begin to enhance the event in the third lap.

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London Olympics 2012: Michael Phelps Loses To Ryan Lochte In 400 IM

Michael Phelps didn't even make it to the podium in the 400 IM at the London Olympic Games on Saturday, in what was his first Olympic loss in eight years. American teammate Ryan Lochte was the winner in this one, while Phelps finished in fourth place.

The shocking part of this isn't Phelps losing and definitely not Lochte winning, rather how Phelps didn't even make the podium and finished fourth. Many believed that whoever turned out to be better this summer between Lochte and Phelps, the two Americans would still be expected to go one and two.

That wasn't the case on Saturday.

For Phelps, this is likely is last Olympic appearances and he's on a quest to become arguably the best Olympic athlete in history. Certainly with 16 Olympic gold medals already, Phelps could make that case.

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2012 Summer Olympics In London: Opening Ceremonies Most Watched In San Diego, Denver

The official overnight ratings are out for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London and it's clear that Paul McCartney and Mr. Bean are big hits in the States. Incredibly, the Olympics showed the great ability to reach across the entire country and gain our attention. The top markets watching the ceremonies went from California to Florida and through each time zone.

Top markets for Opening Ceremony on NBC: San Diego 27.8 Washington D.C. 26.8 West Palm Beach 26.8 Salt Lake City 26.6 Denver 26.4 #Olympics

— NBCSportsPR (@NBCSportsPR) July 28, 2012

The ratings themselves were up 7 percent over Beijing and 18 percent total over Athens, so that's good news that the London games might bring more revenue than recent seasons for NBC.

Stick with SB Nation Kansas City for coverage of local athletes in the Olympic Games. For full coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub.

2012 London Olympics: Ratings For Opening Ceremonies Up 7 Percent From Beijing

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London held their official opening last nihgt, and the Opening Ceremonies were rife with Danny Boyle style drama and Paul McCartney's melodic charm that has persisted over the last several decades. Both were big winners on Friday night as the overnight ratings are in for NBC and their broadcast of the ceremonies that lasted for a few hours as the Parade of Nations and several entertaining montages played out.

23.0/40 Overnight for Opening Ceremony on NBC best for a non-US Olympics ever;up 7% from Beijing (21.5), 28% from Athens (18.0). #Olympics

— NBCSportsPR (@NBCSportsPR) July 28, 2012

The 2012 London Olympics unofficially began with women's soccer in recent days but today's action should bring a full slate of continued action for those intrigued last night. It looks positive for NBC and their ability to draw viewers into games.

Stick with SB Nation Kansas City for coverage of local athletes in the Olympic Games. For full coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub.

Daily Preview 2012 London Olympics: Will Newell Ready To Help American Rowing Team Go For Gold

When the 2012 London Olympic competition begins on Saturday, Oklahoma City native Will Newell will be competing for the United States rowing team attempting to win gold.

Newell, who attends Harvard is a relative newcomer to the sport after startinghis junior year of high school according to a feature in the The Harvard Crimson. But he caught on quickly and now finds himself competing in the men's lightweight four rowing event on worlds biggest athletic stage:

After coming to Harvard, Newell developed quickly, earning himself the lightweight captaincy as a senior and leading the Crimson to a combined 27-1 during his time on the 1V. A victory at Eastern Sprints and a second-place finish at IRA nationals, along with a stint on the Under-23 National team in 2010, convinced Newell to consider international rowing despite his short career.

Stick with SB Nation Kansas City for coverage of local athletes in the Olympic Games. For full coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub.

PHOTO: General James Harden Is Ready For The Olympics

Team USA Basketball: James Harden Connects With Other Arizona State Athletes In London

Oklahoma City Thunder basketball star James Harden is getting his first taste of Olympic competition this summer. He and his U.S. teammates, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, will be helping to defend Team USA's 2008 gold medal from Beijing.

While the team is preparing and taking in the Olympic experience, their NBA star power has prevented them from staying with the rest of the athletes at the Olympic Village. But some of the players have ventured over, including Harden who met up with two of his Arizona State bretheren according to the Sporting News:

Guard James Harden used a trip over to the village to make a rare alumni connection. Harden played at Arizona State, as did Nigeria's Ike Diogu and Great Britain's Eric Boateng.

"I took a picture with them last night," Harden said. "It's great, very unique for the Sun Devils to have so many players in the Olympics. It just shows you what type of school that it is. Great school."

Stick with SB Nation Kansas City for coverage of local athletes in the Olympic Games. For full coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub.

London Olympics 2012 Viewer's Guide: How To Watch Online, TV Coverage And More

With the 2012 London Olympic Games set to begin, numerous coverage options are available for fans to catch the action both on television and online. NBC is providing television coverage of the games, making use of all of their networks to do so.

You can find Olympic events on the flagship network, the NBC Sports Network, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo, Telemundo, and special channels set up for Basketball and Soccer.

More: Team USA does Mall Cop impression on Segway scooters.

The time difference with London means that many events start early in the morning, so check out the complete listings at NBC Olympics, viewable by time or by sport.

NBC Olympics Live Extra is the source for streaming coverage of the Games, making all 302 events from all 32 sports available online to anyone with a cable or satellite subscription. If you're without a subscription, video highlights, expert analysis and interviews with athletes are available for all.

Stick with SB Nation Kansas City for coverage of local athletes in the Olympic Games. For full coverage of the 2012 London Olympics, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub.

Olympics 2012 Opening Ceremony: TV Schedule, Flag Bearer For Team USA And More

The Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Olympic Games takes place at Olympic Stadium in London on Friday, July 27.

2012 London Olympics Preview: Kansas City Has 11 Local Athletes Heading To London

Kansas City will be represented in London by 11 athletes who have ties to the area.