Monday was a great day for the United States of America in the 100m backstroke. Matt Grevers and Nick Thoman of Team USA finished first and second in the final, America's first such finish at these London Olympics.
Grevers' gold medal time was 52.16 seconds, an Olympic record just 0.22 shy of Aaron Peirsol's world record. Thoman finished in 52.92. He just barely beat Japan's Ryosuke Irie, who earned a bronze by finishing in 52.97 seconds.
Grevers was too caught up in the moment to notice exactly what happened, via the Chicago Tribune:
On finishing 1-2 with teammate Thoman, Grevers said, "I must be selfish. It took me a good 10 seconds to realize he got second and that's something I should do right away. When I noticed it (on the scoreboard), the moment became that much more special."
It wasn't just a historic day for the American men in the 100m backstroke -- Missy Franklin took home gold in the women's final, as well.
For more coverage of local athletes at the Olympics, stay with this StoryStream. For more Summer Games coverage, head over to SB Nation's dedicated Olympic hub.