London 2012
The stars and athletes getting into the London 2012 spirit!
PAParalympics Closing Ceremony
At the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games, the stunning firework display at the end was a fitting finale to a summer of sport in the capital.
Rex featuresRihanna & Chris Martin perform at the Closing Ceremony
At the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games, the crowds were treated to a particularly rousing version of Princess Of China, and Rihanna’s own hit We Found Love, as the singer teamed up with Chris Martin and the rest of Coldplay to perform at the Olympic Stadium.
Rihanna performs at the Closing Ceremony
Rihanna was even seen being lifted onto the stage on an ornate wire bench.
PAJonnie Peacock & Hannah Cockroft
Team GB Paralympians Jonnie Peacock and Hannah Cockroft also showed off their well-deserved gold medals in Trafalgar Square.
PA PhotosEleanor Simmonds
Eleanor Simmonds did her nation proud by outswimming the competition to win the gold in the women’s 200m IM – SM6 at the Aquatics Centre.
Rex FeaturesRichard Whitehead
Yet another gold medal for Team GB? All in a day’s work for Richard Whitehead, who became the world champion of the men’s 200m T42 final.
PA PhotosNatasha Baker
There was yet more success for Team GB in the equestrian dressage individual freestyle, when Natasha Baker rode to gold medal victory.
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton & Aled Davies
Kate Middleton awarded Team GB’s Aled Davies with a gold medal for winning the men’s discus throw at the Paralympic Games.
PA PhotosSarah Storey
Team GB got off to a roaring start at the Paralympic Games yesterday. Sarah Storey celebrated gold medal victory in the women’s individual C5 pursuit in the Velodrome.
PA PhotosKate Middleton & Prince William
It’s just not London 2012 without at least one royal Mexican wave. This time, the honour came courtesy of Kate Middleton and Prince William in the Velodrome as they watched Sarah Storey cycle to victory.
PA PhotosJonathan Fox
This is the moment Team GB Paralympian Jonathan Fox realised he’d set a new world record in the men’s 100m backstroke S7 heat.
PA PhotosTeam GB
The London 2012 Paralympic Games are officially open! Team GB were cheered on by a crowd of thousands as they triumphantly entered their home arena.
PA PhotosKate Middleton & Prince William
Kate Middleton and Prince William were there to wave on Paralympic Team GB at the opening ceremony.
Rex FeaturesOpening Ceremony
The theme of the Paralympic Opening Ceremony, which was directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot), was the Enlightenment. Here, the apple symbolised Newton’s universal law of gravitation.
Rex FeaturesStephen Hawkins
Stephen Hawkins opened the ceremony with a moving speech.
PA PhotosSir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen played a lead role in the Opening Ceremony, too.
Rex FeaturesUmbrellas
Some futuristic umbrellas! As you do.
Rex FeaturesTake That
Among the musical surprises during the London 2012 closing ceremony was Take That. Gary Barlow put on a brave face to perform Rule The World with the best of his bandmates.
PA PhotosBryan May & Jessie J
Jessie J made not one, but two appearances during the Closing Ceremony, coming back out to jam with Queen’s Bryan May.
PA PhotosKate Moss
Out from behind a billboard with her face on it emerged Kate Moss, wearing a stunning floor-length Alexander McQueen gown.
PA PhotosBritish Fashion Models
Joining Kate was David Gandy, Naomi Campbell, Georgia May Jagger, Jordan Dunn and Lily Cole. The models strutted their stuff on a newspaper catwalk to highlight London’s status as one of the world’s major fashion capitals.
Rex FeaturesPrince Harry & Kate Middleton
There was no Queen for the Closing Ceremony, but Prince Harry and Kate Middleton were on royal standby.
PA PhotosSpice Girls
One of the biggest highlights of the Closing Ceremony? The temporary reformation of the Spice Girls. The band arrived on the back of diamante-covered black mini cabs to perform Wannabe and Spice Up Your Life.
Rex FeaturesVictoria Beckham
There was some debate over whether VB would join the rest of her Spice Girl bandmates for the Closing Ceremony, but the singer-turned-designer was a good sport.
PA PhotosGeri Halliwell
Geri Halliwell didn’t, as expected, wear her famous Union Jack dress, but instead opted for this red number.
PA PhotosOne Direction
Even One Direction got in on the Olympic act, performing That’s What Makes You Beautiful on top of a bus.
PA PhotosDamon Albarn
Blur wrapped up Olympic proceedings in Hyde Park with a rare, and fittingly energetic, performance.
PA PhotosTeam GB
Check out all those medals! Team GB posed with their impressive haul of 65 medals – 29 of which were gold – that won them third place on the Olympic Medal Standings behind China and the USA.
PA PhotosMo Farah
Mo Farah made history when he crossed the line to win gold in the 5,000 metres. The following week, he won gold in the 10,000 metres, making him the greatest British distance runner of all time.
PA PhotosMo Farah & Usain Bolt
This is surely set to be one of the most iconic shots of the Games. Mo Farah and Usain Bolt – both legends for winning doubles in their respective distance and sprint events – swapped trademark poses in the Olympic stadium.
PA PhotosThe Jamaican Relay Team
Clearly, winning the gold in the 100 and 200 metres wasn’t enough for Usain Bolt. The champion won gold again with the help of his 4 x 100 metre relay teammates, and broke a world record in the process, too.
PA PhotosLouis Tomlinson
Louis Tomlinson and his girlfriend Eleanor Calder cuddled up behind a Union Jack to watch the action unfold during the 10 metre diving final.
Rex FeaturesTom Daley
Tom Daley dived his way to a bronze medal during the 10 metre diving finals. The Olympic heartthrob celebrated his win by jumping into the pool with his teammates.
Rex FeaturesThe Beckham Boys
Brooklyn and Romeo cheered on Tom Daley during the 10 metre diving finals. They were accompanied by dad David Beckham. No pressure, Tom.
PA PhotosNicola Adams
Nicola Adams made history yesterday, when she became the first ever female Olympic boxing champion. The Team GB heroine beat No.1 seed, China’s Cancan Ren, to win the gold medal.
PA PhotosJade Jones
There was more gold medal joy in the Taekwondo, too. Team GB’s Jade Jones beat China’s Yuzhuo Hou to be crowned the Olympic champion of the martial art.
PA PhotosCharlotte Dujardin
Dressage champion Charlotte Dujardin celebrated her gold medal win on her noble stead, which she affectionately calls Blueberry.
PA PhotosUsain Bolt
Usain Bolt silenced those who doubted his champion status, when he became the first athlete in history to defend the gold medal in both the men’s 100 and 200 metre sprint. He almost broke the Olympic record. And he slowed down as he crossed the line, too. Legend.
Rex FeaturesJamaican Sprint Team
Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake and Warrem Weir ensured there was an all Jamaican medal sweep in the 200 metre sprint final, each taking home the gold, silver and bronze respectively.
PA PhotosUsain Bolt
How did he celebrate being crowned one of the greatest sprinters of all time? After doing some press ups, Usain Bolt grabbed a camera off of one photographer and started taking photos of the press. And a few of his teammate, Yohan Blake, too.
PA PhotosTeam GB Synchronised Swimmers
Yvette Baker, Katie Clark, Katie Dawkins, Olivia Federici, Jennifer Knobbs, Asha Randall, Jenna Randall and Katie Skelton made a splash in the Aquatics centre as they competed in the synchronised swimming.
Rex FeaturesBrownlee Brothers
Triathalon champions Alistair Brownlee and Jonathan Brownlee showed off their Olympic medals in Hyde Park yesterday. The brothers won gold and bronze in the gruelling event.
Getty ImagesJessica Ennis & Downton Abbey Stars
Even the celebs want to meet Jessica Ennis! Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens and Laura Carmichael made sure they took their photo opportunity with the world champion in OMEGA House.
Rex FeaturesLouis Smith
Doesn’t he look good in knitwear? Gymnast Louis Smith epitomises casual-cool in OMEGA House.
Bigpicturesphoto.comVictoria Pendleton
Team GB cyclist and champion Victoria Pendleton celebrated her retirement from the sport with a trip to celeb hotspot Mahiki in London, where she partied with partner Scott Gardner.
Getty ImagesDavid, Cruise & Romeo Beckham
Cutest picture ever? David, Cruise and Romeo Beckham cuddled up to watch the beach volleyball. Note: gold medal cyclists Laura Trott and Jason Kenny snuggling just behind them.
Rex FeaturesChris Hemsworth & Elsa Pataky
Look who we spotted at the water polo yesterday – it’s only Thor actor Chris Hemsworth and his wife, Elsa Pataky. The new parents watched as Spain took on Montenegro in the men’s quarter final.
Rex FeaturesUsain Bolt & Christophe Lamaitre
So many hot athletes, so little time. Christophe Lamaitre and Usain Bolt provided an easy on the eye men’s 200m sprint semi-finals.
Rex FeaturesSarah Attar
She might have come last, but Sarah Attar made history yesterday, when she became the first female ever to compete for Saudi Arabia in an Olympic track and field event. We salute you, Sarah!
Rex FeaturesGB Women’s Hockey Team
Narrowly missing out on the finals were Team GB’s women’s hockey team. They were beaten by Argentina.
Rex FeaturesAllyson Felix
Women’s 200m sprint champion, Team USA’s Allyson Felix, was overjoyed to win the gold medal in her event.
WennRyan Lochte
First the diamond grills, now the gang signs – US swimmer Ryan Lochte brought the street to the party in London.
Rex FeaturesBert Le Clos
The legend that is South African swimmer Chad Le Clos’ dad Bert was snapped leaving an athletes’ afterparty in London with his son.
PA PhotosLaura Trott
Cyclist Laura Trott showed off her gold medal, which she won in the women's omnium.
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton & Team GB Sailors
Kate Middleton shared a joke with Team GB’s sailors. That Ben Ainslie sure is hilarious.
PA PhotosAnthony Ogogo
GB’s Anthony Ogogo guaranteed himself a bronze medal after defeating Germany’s Stefan Hartel in the men’s middleweight boxing quarterfinals.
PA PhotosBeth Tweddle
Gymnast Beth Tweddle finally got what she’d always hankered for – a medal at the Olympic Games – when she claimed bronze during the women’s uneven bars final.
PA PhotosJason Kenny
The atmosphere was electric in the velodrome as British cyclist Jason Kenny stormed to victory in the individual sprint. In doing so, Jason became the first British double gold medal winner of the Games, and pushed up our gold medal count to 18 − matching what was achieved in Beijing. Impressive!
Rex FeaturesTeam GB Show Jumpers
Team GB celebrated as they won the first show jumping gold medal in over 60 years.
PA PhotosJessica Ennis & Bradley Wiggins
Two of our favourite members of Team GB were guests of honour at a Stone Roses gig. Both Jess and Wiggo celebrated their gold medal wins in true rock ‘n’ roll style, being joined by the likes of Jimmy Page and Boy George.
PA PhotosBradley Wiggins & Paul Weller
Britain’s most decorated Olympian celebrated his gold medal win at an exclusive Stone Roses gig in Hoxton. Wiggo got a taste of the A-list lifestyle as he partied the night away with rock royalty. The highlight for the massive music fan was meeting his personal hero - Paul Weller. We can see where he takes his hairspiration from…
PA PhotosLaura Robson
British tennis star Laura Robson celebrated her silver medal success in Hyde Park. The Olympian, who is just 18, narrowly missed out on the chance of a gold medal when she and Andy Murray lost in the final of the mixed doubles at Wimbledon.
Rex FeaturesJessica Ennis
The entire Olympic Stadium erupted with cheers and jubilation as Jessica Ennis sprinted to victory in the 800 metres, to claim the gold medal for Great Britain in the heptathalon.
PA PhotosJessica Ennis
Former Olympic gold medal winning heptathlete, commentator Denise Lewis, burst into tears as Jessica Ennis took to the podium to be honoured for her great achievement. She wasn’t alone – the atmosphere was emotional, to say the least. We knew you’d do it, Jess!
Rex FeaturesMo Farah
Mo Farah did his nation proud as he crossed the finish line to claim the gold medal for Team GB in the 10,000 metres. He was congratulated for his win by his heavily pregnant wife, Tanya, and his daughter, Rihanna.
PA PhotosGreg Rutherford
It was a historic day in the Olympic Stadium for Team GB. Not only did Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah win gold medals, but Greg Rutherford leapt his way to victory in the long jump.
Rex FeaturesAndy Murray
He might have missed out on the Wimbledon title, but Andy Murray wasn’t going to let Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer deter him from winning gold at the Olympics. The Scott won in three straight sets.
Rex FeaturesAndy Murray
The first thing Andy Murray did when he realised he’d won the gold medal? A Pat Cash, of course. The tennis star climbed onto the roof of the box to give his girlfriend Kim Sears a hug.
PA PhotosBen Ainslie
Ben Ainslie became the greatest sailor in Olympic history when he scored his fourth gold at the London 2012 Games.
PA PhotosLouis Smith
Hands up who’d never heard of a pommel horse before Louis Smith and Max Whitlock claimed silver and bronze for Great Britain?
PA PhotosUsain Bolt
There was little doubting who the winner of the men’s 100 metres race was going to be – the only question was, ‘How fast?’ Turns out, extremely fast – Bolt set a new Olympic record, beating the competition with ease with a time of 9.63 seconds.
Rex FeaturesDani King, Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell
Cyclists Dani King, Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell beat their own world record not once, but twice during the women’s team pursuit finals to snatch a gold medal – and nearly lapped the USA in the process. Go girls!
PA PhotosMichael Phelps
It was a historic moment in the aquatic centre when Michael Phelps helped Team USA swim for gold in the men’s 4 x 100 metres relay final. The race was Phelps’ final ever swim in the Olympics. He retires the most decorated Olympian of all times with 18 gold medals and 22 overall.
PA PhotosJessica Ennis
Go Jessica, go! We’ll be cheering on Team GB – and world number one – heptathlete Ennis as she competes for gold.
PA PhotosKatarina Johnson-Thompson
Jessica Ennis isn’t our only medal hope in the heptathalon. Young Brit Katarina Johnson-Thompson, 19, got off to a great start after coming second in the high jump with a personal best.
PA PhotosDai Greene
Team GB competitor Dai Greene won his heat in the men’s 400m hurdles during the first round of the event.
PA PhotosKatherine Grainger & Anna Watkins
Katherine Grainger and Anna Watkins’ gold medal win in the women’s double sculls pushed Team GB up the medal table to fourth. Good work, ladies.
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton & Prince William
Kate Middleton and Prince William put on a rare public display of affection as they cheered on Chris Hoy and his Team GB cycling team to gold medal victory in the Velodrome. They were joined by Prince Harry and the Prime Minister, David Cameron.
PA PhotosJessica Ennis
Team GB superstar Jessica Ennis kicked off her quest for gold in the heptathlon this morning, breaking the world best time this year to win her first event, the 100m hurdles, in 12.54 seconds – the fastest time ever recorded for the hurdles in the heptathlon.
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton, Prince William & Prince Harry
The royals watched with baited breath as Chris Hoy took to the Velodrome. Or was this the moment Victoria Pendleton was disqualified? Either way, this photograph is picture captioning gold.
PA PhotosPhilip Hindes, Jason Kenny & Chris Hoy
Philip Hindes, Jason Kenny and Chris Hoy celebrated their gold medal victory during the after setting a new world record in the men's team sprint track cycling final at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Rex FeaturesGemma Gibbons
There was a surprise silver medal in the judo for Team GB. Gemma Gibbons was overjoyed to be placed on the podium, and broke down in tears when she beat her opponent in the semi-finals.
PA PhotosMichael Phelps
Yes, yes we have joined the Michael Phelps Appreciation Society. The US swimmer, the most decorated Olympian ever, won yet another gold in the 200m individual medley.
Getty ImagesHelen Glover & Heather Stanning
It’s hard to believe that, five years ago, Helen Glover had never rowed a boat before. Yesterday, the oarswoman made history when, along with Heather Stanning, she became the first gold medal winner for Team GB in the London 2012 Olympics, which she picked up in the women’s double sculling event. The school teacher and the army captain only started training together two years ago, too. Impressive doesn’t really cover it.
Rex FeaturesBradley Wiggins
Cyclist Bradley Wiggins became one of the most decorated British Olympians in history when he picked up a gold in the cycling time trials yesterday.
Rex FeaturesMichael Jamieson
Michael Jamieson did the Team GB swim team proud when he was honoured with a silver medal in the men’s 200m breaststroke.
Rex FeaturesPrince Harry
Don’t look now, Harry! The Prince could barely watch as the action unfolded in the Aquatics Centre.
Rex FeaturesDanell Leyva
Olympic hottie of the day? US gymnast Danell Leyva gets our vote. The sportsman celebrated a fine performance after the high bar in the Men’s Individual All-Around finals. He went on to win a bronze medal.
Rex FeaturesLeBron James
NBA star LeBron James took to the basketball courts in the US V Tunisia game earlier this week. Hardly fair, really…
Rex FeaturesTony Parker
Eva Longoria’s ex husband, Tony Parker, competed as part of the French national basketball team against Argentina yesterday. France ended up winning 71 – 64.
Getty ImagesPhelps & Lochte
Don’t think we’re going to get bored of seeing Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte any time soon. The US swimmers flex a muscle or five as they prepare for the semifinal heat of the Men’s 200m Individual Medley.
PA PhotosBradley Wiggins
Go Wiggo, go! He of side-burned fame, Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, became Great Britain’s most prolific Olympian when he won his seventh gold medal in the cycling time trial event on day five.
Getty ImagesBar Refaeli & The Phelps Family
Cheering on Michael Phelps and the rest of the USA men’s 4x200m freestyle relay team as they received their gold medals on the podium yesterday? Israeli model Bar Refaeli, of course! Hang about… Something you’re not telling us, Bar?
Getty ImagesBrooklyn Decker
Well, at least two seats were filled at the men’s singles tennis! One of them by Andy Roddick’s wife, Battleship star Brooklyn Decker.
PA PhotosJill Scott
Eat THAT boys! The women’s Team GB football squad beat Brazil 1-0 at Wembley Stadium on day four.
PA PhotosJessica Ennis
Track and field athlete Jessica Ennis was all smiles at a press conference. Can she bring in another medal when she competes in the Heptathlon?
PA PhotosHelen Glover & Heather Stanning
The proud moment Helen Glover and Heather Stanning celebrated winning gold in the women’s skulling final. Bravo!
Rex FeaturesChad le Clos
The moving moment when South African swimmer Chad le Clos celebrates winning gold - and beating Michael Phelps – in the men’s 200m butterfly final. Tears to our eyes.
PA PhotosMichael Phelps
USA swimmer Michael Phelps gets a silver in the men’s 200m butterfly. Hot.
PA PhotosClare Balding
Clare Balding's endearing commentary during the Paralympics and Olympics has been a highlight for many.
PA PhotosUSA Men’s Swim Relay Team
Hotter still? The USA men’s 4 x 200m freestyle relay team. Bringing in the gold and flashing the biceps. Brilliant.
PA PhotosZara Philips
Royal hurrahs were in order for Zara Philips, who won a silver medal, along with the rest of her Team GB riders, after the individual eventing jumping final.
Getty ImagesTom Daley
Tom Daley had a rollercoaster day at the synchronised diving. Tom and partner Pete Waterfield were in gold position at one point in the diving but missed out on the medals at the end of the competition. He Tweeted “#gutted so sorry everyone but we tried our best and you can't afford to miss a dive at this standard...bring on individual!” but then got abuse from one individual, who the police revealed they had arrested this morning.
PA PhotosTom Daley
Is the diver auditioning for Fifty Shades Of Grey?
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton & Prince William
Olympic enthusiasts The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among the spectators at the Equestrian Eventing. They turned out to watch cousin, Zara Phillips, take part in the cross country.
Rex FeaturesPixie Lott
Pixie Lott gave Team GB an added boost ahead of the men’s gymnastics final as she belted out a tune. It did the trick as the team made it onto the Olympics podium.
Rex FeaturesSir Steve Redgrave, Denise Lewis, Prince William & Prince Harry
The worlds of sport and royalty watched on in earnest as the British men’s gymnastics were moved down to third position, after a successful appeal by the Japanese team.
Rex FeaturesGymnastics Team GB
The men’s gymnastics team looked tearful as they were awarded a bronze, the first medal Britain has won in men’s gymnastics in 100 years. They had originally won a silver but after a Japanese appeal, were moved down to third position.
PacificCoastNews.comDavid Beckham & Prince William
David Beckham and Prince William enjoyed a boys’ night out together, watching Team GB take on the United Arab Emirates in the football. The former England captain was also with his football mad sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz, as they watched GB win 3-1.
Rex FeaturesZara Phillips
Zara Phillips gave the home crowds a wave as she competed in the dressage in Greenwich over the weekend. The royal was watched by Princess Anne and Prince Phillip, as she rode the appropriately-named High Kingdom in the event.
Getty ImagesArctic Monkeys
Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys came over all John Travolta from Grease, as he led the band in a rendition of I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor.
Getty ImagesDavid Beckham
And who could forget David Beckham, looking like a real-life James Bond, as he drove a speed boat carrying the Olympic torch down the Thames.
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton & Prince William
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked excited as they made their way into the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games. Kate was wearing a pale blue Christopher Kane suit, while her husband opted for navy blue. The highlight of the evening for the pair must have been watching “The Queen” parachute into the stadium.
Rex FeaturesSir Paul McCartney
Sir Paul McCartney led the crowds in a rendition of Hey Jude as he sang at the finale of the Olympics opening ceremony. The event was watched by 1bn people all over the world, including nearly 27m in Britain, making it the most watched TV event in 14 years.
Rex FeaturesRowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson, aka Mr Bean, waved to the crowds before his memorable performance during the Chariots Of Fire skit. The comedian’s cameo led to the biggest spike in tweets during the event.
Rex FeaturesJoanna Lumley & Jennifer Saunders
Who let these two near the Olympic torch! Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders jogged through the streets of London in looking Absolutely Fabulous in their guises as Edie and Patsy.
PA PhotosKate Middleton
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, proved her sports skills as she attended an event in London to celebrate the start of the Olympics. And she did it in a £35 Hobbs sale dress – impressed?
PA PhotosPrince Harry
Prince Harry went for a casual shirt and chinos combination as he played with children on a London sports astro-turf at Bacon's College in Rotherhithe.
Getty ImagesKate Middleton
Kate Middleton put her hand to table tennis at a school in East London yesterday – and looked to be a bit of a natural.
Rex FeaturesRichard E Grant
Nothing like a bit of Withnail to brighten up the Olympics! Spotted – Richard E Grant and his wife, Joan Washington.
