Paul Newberry

The American star recovered from the worst finish of her brilliant Olympic career to take the first-ever gold medal in the women’s 1,500-meter freestyle.

Aaron endured racist threats with stoic dignity during his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s home run record in the pre-steroids era.

Seventh at the turn, an Olympic champion at the end. For the 17th time. Michael Phelps was next-to-last when he touched the wall at the far end of the pool in the 100-meter butterfly but in a familiar position at the end — his name atop the leaderboard, a smile on his face, another gold medal around his neck.

Michael Phelps added to his medal collection with his first individual gold medal of the London Games -- and handed Ryan Lochte a double disappointment on his rival's final night in the pool.

Michael Phelps has yet to win a gold medal, and Ryan Lochte's star is fading. So along came Missy Franklin to restore American swim hopes with a gutty performance at the Olympics on Monday night.