1. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmCtGKwgJ2k]

   1. Bell Ringing Fail

   Before the 2012 Olympics were off and running, this flop by the British Culture Secretary happily made its way around the Internet.

2. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hRwnXmdRCo]

   2. Public Relations Fail

   In an effort to emulate the pomp and circumstance surrounding the Games, London Mayor Boris Johnson got himself stuck in a rather tricky situation.

   The result produced a general heyday across the Internet. And we’re sure more memes are to come.

3. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhg82eihkbo]

   3. Flag Identification Fail

   The Olympics are all about representing your country with national pride. It’s hard to accomplish that as a North Korean footballer mislabeled as South Korean.

   Due to the mistake, the match between North Korea and Colombia was delayed. Olympic organizers were quick to apologize, but the damage was done.

4. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvO1txhLlO4]

   4. Poignant Moment Fail

   Apparently, the London Games organizers struggle with attaching things. First the bell, and then the American flag came unattached and drifted to the ground during the gold medal presentation ceremony for tennis star Serena Williams.

   She seemed unfazed, but the embarrassment certainly must have distressed the IOC and London officials, not to mention a few ultra-patriotic Americans.

5. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8qlIYXMMYM]

   5. Awareness Fail

   Sometimes the stars align and something awesome happens. Sometimes the starts align and this happens.

   Neither athlete was watching their step, and the tumble is so comical, it almost looks planned.

6. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iyU1eQ4lcQ]

   6. Piggy Back Fail

   After completing a race, Jamaican sprinter Melaine Walker decides to join in the fun with the Berlin Games’ mascot, who was eager to tote her around, piggyback style.

   Note to self: Never ride piggyback with someone in a mascot getup. We’re just hoping the mascot costume cushioned the blow, but that doesn’t make up for bruised pride.

7. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zjCc_VyxM4]

   7. Fail Turns to Win in No Time

   Sometimes fails can turn to wins very quickly. After two athletes were disqualified for jumping the gun, only athlete Eric Moussambani from Equatorial Guinea remained.

   He struggled to the very end and did not make the cut, but his efforts certainly caught the attention of an audience willing to see someone achieve their own goals.

   Note: we apologize about the embed link not working in the slideshow. It’s worth it to click and view on YouTube though!

8. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLrJUB2mBfc]

   8. Pump Up the Crowd Fail

   If you’re going to pump up the crowd before your event, make sure you’re in the right frame of mind to actually complete your task. Otherwise, you look a little dopey — Carlton Lavong of Norristown, Pa. went face-first into the long jump pit on his final jump.

9. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ6JAOW5tdI]

   9. Coordination Fail

   You’ll find plenty of these types of fails, but this one is especially delightful.

10. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cXG1gorJn0]

    10. Gymnast Fail

    In gymnastics, fails occur with the most regularity. The sport requires an extreme amount of focus and physical discipline. Here’s a nice compilation of tricks gone slightly awry.

11. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmU6BChuiBs]

    11. Hurdles Fail

    This guy just doesn’t care. We liked him before the Games started, and we’re guessing we’ll continue to enjoy him forever.

    Source: http://video.sina.com.cn/p/sports/o/v/2010-12-17/143361212067.html

Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/08/07/olympic-fails/