Beijing Gives BMX a Ride

BMX cycling, an "extreme" action sport, is new to the Olympics roster. Go ahead, roll your eyes. But it's worth a look

The Year of the Mercenary Athlete

More athletes are competing in Beijing under foreign flags than ever before in the Games' history. Is switching teams a betrayal of the Olympic spirit — or just smart sportsmanship?

China's Track Superstar Drops Out

It was the gold that China had been waiting for — until superstar Liu Xiang limped off the track in front of a packed Bird's Nest audience of 90,000. What went wrong?

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Coping with a Crap Shoot

Matt Emmons is a champion marksman. But for the second straight Olympics, an epic gaffe costs the American a gold. At least his wife is on target

The Beijing Games

How Phelps Made Swimming History

Phelps, Torres and company rack up 31 medals as Phelps looks ahead to London 2012

Photos: Michael Phelps' Quest for Gold

Bolting to a World Record

Jamaica's Usain Bolt broke the 100m world record with ease. With two races to go, he might take over the Olympics

What Was Really Bugging Tyson Gay

A sore hamstring didn't bother the American sprinter during the 100m. But he was mentally drained from trying to recover

China's Badminton Star Takes Gold

Shuttlecock bad boy Super Dan smashes his opponent and whips fans into a frenzy

US Crushes Spain in Basketball

The Redeem Team cruises past the 2006 World Champions, with brio

Hometown Heroes Dominate Courts

Once seen as a trapping of capitalist excess, tennis in China is bigger than ever — and so are the Olympic performances of its rising women stars

US Olympic Boxing: Taking a Beating

Greats like Ali and Foreman got their start with Olympic gold. Now US boxers are lucky to make the finals. What's wrong?

US Gymnasts Land a 1-2 Punch

Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson took home gold and silver in the all-around gymnastics. And it was the more artistic athlete who ultimately triumphed