London2012 is in the books — USA wins medal count

London - The 2012 Olympics are finished, but for pockets of lingering parties, a few closing ceremonies and speeches and the packing of gear and suitcases.

London hosted a safe, successful and exciting 2012 Olympics, one to remember - especially for the Americans who may need a truck to get all their medals to Heathrow. The USA earned 46 gold medals, their best effort in non-boycotted Games since 1904. The most gold medals won by the U.S. since the non-boycott post-1904 high was 45, set in 1924 and 1968, according to a ESPN report. London 2012 saw a familiar duo share the top of the medal table with the U.S. with a comfortable lead over China. If there was any question whether China would be able to repeat its gold-medal-table-topping performance from Beijing, it was answered in London. No, in a word, but the Chinese performance was good enough for a comfortable number two spot. Russia came in third with 24 Gold and 82 total with Britain in fourth with 29 Gold and 65 total. But the USA took home the Lions Share of precious medal. Sunday, men's basketball and Jacob Varner in men's 96 kilogram freestyle wrestling, vaulted the American count to 46 gold medals, according to ESPN. The 104 total medals earned by the U.S. is actually six less than the Americans won in Beijing however, that is hardly a loss since the 46 gold are 10 more than in Beijing. The 104 total medals count ranks sixth in US history with 1984 being the highest at 173 total medals China's won a total of 19 less than its Beijing total, including 13 less gold, diving from 51 to 38 in London. China won 13 fewer total medals (100 to 87) than in Beijing. Prior to this year’s games, British Olympic officials said matching their Beijing performance would do. In that sense, British teams were highly under rated. The UK won 10 more golds (19 to 29) and 18 more total medals (47 to 65). The Brits excelled in track cycling, winning nine medals, including seven gold. Britain also won nine medals in rowing including four gold. American swimmer Michael Phelps won the most individual gold medals with six. USA swimmers Ryan Lochte, Missy Franklin, and Allison Schmitt, along with Australian swimmer Alicia Coutts won five. Following close Chinese swimmer Sun Yang and Russian gymnast Aliya Mustafina each take home four Gold medals.