London 2012: Kate Middleton, Princess Charlene Among Family and Friends Cheering on Athletes [SLIDESHOW]

The drama of the Olympic Games has had supporters across the world on the edge of their seats, but their nerves can't hope to match those of the athletes' families.

Some competitor's parents even stole the limelight from their offspring.

Debbie Phelps, the mother of medal-magnet swimmer Michael, was filmed initially celebrating and then looking on in shock when she realised he had not won the gold medal in the 200m butterfly, being pipped by South African Chad Le Clos.

Then it was the turn of Chad's father, Bert, to draw the attention of the camera's during his son's presentation, wiping tears from his eyes and bowing to his boy.

He was then pulled into the BBC studio to chat with presenter Clare Balding and his heartfelt comments about his son made him an overnight sensation.

BTeam GB's gold medal winning rower Heather Stanning, who also serves asand army royal artillery captain, was supported by her comrades at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. The troops sent Stanning a message of congratulations, which she was able to listen to soon after finishing the race.

The royal family have also been spotted at several events, especially the equestrian eventing, where Princess Anne cheered from the sidelines as her daughter, Zara Philips, gained silver as part of the GB team. 

Some family members had little to celebrate. Peta Todd, the partner of cycling favourite Mark Cavendish was photographed going through a range of emotions as the men's cycling road race team was edged out of the medals by aggressive competitors.

IBTimes UK collects some of the best family moments of the games:

London 2012 in Pictures: Ecstatic fans fly the flags

London 2012 in Pictures: Team GB's Mud, Sweat and Tears

Peta Todd, the partner of cyclist Mark Cavendish, went through a range of emotions while holding their daughter Delilah, as Cavendish finished outside the medals following intense pressure from rival teams.

Troops in Camp Bastion in Afghanistan celebrate as Royal artillery captain Heather Stanning wins gold in the rowing women's doubles with Helen Glover.

The father of South African swimmer Chad Le Clos became an overnight sensation with his passionate celebrations when his son beat Michael Phelps to the gold medal in the 200m butterfly final.
Bowing to his son and with tears in his eyes, Bert Le Clos was pulled live into the BBC studio, where he had presenter Clare Balding scrabbling to keep up.
He said: "I have never been so happy in my life, it's indescribable. It's like I've died and gone to heaven."

Princess Anne was joined by Prince Philip as she watches her daughter Zara Philips in the equestrian eventing. Philips claimed a silver medal as part of the GB team, but missed out on the silverware in the individual events.

Michael Phelp's mother Debbie celebrates as he adds to his medal tally with a victory in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay. Phelps now has 19 Olympic medals.

Mother of Kohei Uchimura of Japan celebrates after her son won gold in the men's individual all-around gymnastics final in the North Greenwich Arena.

Yin Alvarez, coach and step-father of Danell Leyva of the U.S., kisses Leyva after he won bronze in the men's individual all-around gymnastics final in the North Greenwich Arena.

The Duchess of Cambridge is offered a kangaroo mascot by an Australian fan. The younger members of the royal family have been enjoying a number of Olympic events.

Monaco's Prince Albret and his wife Princess Charlene applaud during South Africa's Cameron van der Burgh's victory ceremony.