The United States roared past China in the 2012 London Olympics medal count derby Thursday, evening the score in gold medals with 18 and getting to 37 total (18/9/10), with China close behind at 34 (18/11/5.) Spoilers follow in today's swimming-dominated action, beginning with Michael Phelps's return to individual action. Spoiler, again—Phelps did pick up another individual gold, winning the 200m medley for the third consecutive Olympics, while Ryan Lochte picked up the silver there and the bronze in the 200m backstroke, where the American Tyler Clary won gold. On the women's side Rebecca Soni picked up a gold medal and another world record in the 200m breaststroke.
America also won gold in gymnastics; it was a big day all around for chanting the country on your passport. Here's SB Nation Studios' latest 8-bit medal count recap, which will show you Ye Shiwen in a bikini if you type in the password "JUSTIN BAILEY."
Japan remains in third place at 19 (2/6/11), but Germany (4/8/5) and France (3/6/8) are close behind with 17. For daily updates, subscribe to SB nation Studios's YouTube channel, stay tuned to SB Nation St. Louis, and chant USA! at strangers until they start talking to you about that day's events.