Just three days into the start of the London Olympics, we've already witnessed a series of thrilling plotlines and victories.

On Saturday, the first official day of competition, the excitement centered around the swimming pool, where American Ryan Lochte dominated Michael Phelps in a blowout, winning the 400-meter IM by more than 3 seconds to lock up the first U.S. gold medal of these Olympics. On the women's side, Natalie Coughlin tied Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres for most career medals by an American woman (12) by winning the bronze in the 4x100 meter freestyle. 

Meanwhile, in gymnastics, the American men are atop the leaderboard after a strong day in the qualifying competition. China took home four gold medals on the first full day of competition, the most of any country, in the following sports: Yi Siling won gold in the women's 10-meter air rifle shooting, Ye Shiwen set a world record in the women's 400 individual medley swimming, Sun Yang won in men's 400 meter freestyle, and Wang Mingjuang took home the top prize in women's 48-kilogram weightlifting.

The big disappointment of the day was the British cycling team, which included frontrunners Mark Cavandish and Tour de France winnter Bradley Wiggins. The team failed to take home a medal, and the road race was won by Alexander Vinokourov of Kazakhstan.

Now, attention turns to the next day of competition. Day 3 highlights include: Team USA soundly defeated France in basketball 98-71 (Kevin Durant scored 22 points); Swimmer Ryan Lochte qualified in the 200 m freestyle; Team USA is looking to win the men's 4x100 on the back of a solid performance against Australia; and 23-year-old British female swimmer Rebecca Adlington is hoping to secure a gold medal in the women's 400 freestyle.

For a complete schedule of events, see here.