American McKayla Maroney already has one gold medal at the Summer Olympics, helping Team USA win with her absolutely ridiculous vault, and on Sunday, she was a heavy favorite to win her second of the Games as gymnastics began its individual medal events. The 2011 World Champion was in the lead after her first attempt, and with just one vault to go, gold was was seemingly all but certain. But then the unthinkable happened: she fell.
You know what they say: Any given Sunday (I never saw that movie; I assume it was about women's gymnastics?). Here's the story of Maroney's shocking silver, in photos.
The take off ...
... oh no.
Think that is the first time I have EVER seen Maroney fall on a vault...
— Alexa Ainsworth (@AAinsworthNBC) August 5, 2012
What do you even say as the coach after that? "Hey, uh, maybe don't fall next time? IDK." Although, based on Maroney's stance, I can't imagine it mattered -- doubtful she would have actually heard anything anyways.
Oh my. Just ... wow. This really says it all -- Sandra Izbasa, the gold medal winner, celebrating with Russia's Maria Paseka, the bronze medalist, while Maroney looks to the scoreboard in disbelief.
"Hmph."
Big sigh from Maroney as she receives the silver medal...
— Alexa Ainsworth (@AAinsworthNBC) August 5, 2012
"Oh, right, I won a silver medal. I'm so 'happy.' See how I'm 'smiling'? 'Yay.'"
I don't think I've ever seen a more disappointed Olympic medalist.
(Photos by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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