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