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Life as an Olympian

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Javelin thrower Breaux Greer looks for his first medal in Beijing. Photo Credit: Thierry des Fontaines

10 Olympian Power Secrets

With the Olympics underway in Beijing, it's easy to get inspired. Let some of Team USA's top athletes help you take up a new sport, master your favorite ones and raise your fitness to an all-time high.

AP Photo/Laura Rauch

Can the U.S. Win Gold in Beijing?

The United States reinvented its Olympic men's basketball program in hopes of a gold medal. But international teams continue to progress, making the competition even stronger.

Photo: Jeff Shewmon

Water Polo Star Seeks Elusive Gold

The way Brenda Villa sees it, the 2008 Beijing Olympics may be her last chance at a gold medal, after winning silver and bronze in her first two tries.

Smoothies made from fruit and low-fat yogurt are great snacks to boost your nutrition.

10 Ways to Eat Like an Olympian

If you want to play like an Olympian, start by eating like one. The head athletic trainer for the U.S. Men's Olympic Volleyball team shares nutrition secrets for top performance.

Amy Tran Ready for Olympics

U.S. Olympic team member Amy Tran has enjoyed a remarkable career as the nation's top field hockey goalkeeper. Her accomplishments reached another level when she helped the U.S. reach the Beijing Olympics.

An Inside Look at Training for the Games

Active Expert and former Olympian Jeff Galloway shares the training routine he experienced before heading to the Games.

<strong>Two of the five mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.</strong><br>AP Photo/Greg Baker, Pool

Fun Facts About the Beijing Olympics

Find out how many countries are expected to participate, what the mascots represent and why the opening ceremonies are on August 8.

Q&A With Swimmer Kim Vandenberg

Want to know how some of the world's best swimmers train? Find out how top butterfly swimmer Kim Vandenberg prepared for her quest for gold in Beijing.

Courtesy of USOC Press Box

Olympians Take Time Out: Jun Gao

Find out what Olympic veteran and table tennis star Jun Gao is most looking forward to at the Games.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

USA Softball Star Carries Torch (Again) in Beijing

Olympic power hitters don't usually stand 5-foot-4 and have a love for tapdance. But USA Softball star Vicky Galindo is not your ordinary fastpitch slugger.

Crystal Huang had an undefeated performance at the U.S. Olympic Table Tennis Team Trials. AP Photo/Tom Mihalek

Olympians Take Time Out: Crystal Huang

Find out what table tennis star Crystal Huang does to unwind after a hard day of practice.

Image courtesy of KUSports.com

Q&A With Javelin Star Scott Russell

Scott Russell is in line to represent Canada at the 2008 Olympics. Here's a look at his climb toward being an elite athlete, and what he does to keep his javelin throws among the longest in the world.

Credit: Long's Photography<br>Courtesy of USOC Press Box

Olympians Take Time Out: Amanda Clark

Find out what U.S. Sailing Olympian Amanda Clark is most looking forward to at the Games.

Catching Up With Field Hockey's Keli Smith

The U.S. women's field hockey team qualified for the Beijing Olympics, its first trip to the Games since 1996. One of the key players is Keli Smith, a forward/midfielder who's enjoyed a decorated career since she was 13.

Credit: Long's Photography<br>Courtesy of USOC Press Box

Olympians Take Time Out: Andrew Campbell

Find out what U.S. Sailing star Andrew Campbell has on his iPod playlist.

The CATA recommends wearing a mask during outdoor activities at peak smog hours.

Take a Breath: Stay Healthy When Air Quality Isn't

Pollution concerns have some worried athletes backing out of the Olympics. Make sure the air around you is optimal and find out how you can breathe easier during outdoor workouts.

Olympic athletes can offer inspiration for your goals.

3 Ways to Reach Your Olympic Dream

It's been a long road for the Olympic athletes representing their countries in Beijing. Use their inspiration to start on your own path to become the best.

<strong>Connie Carpenter-Phinney (left) beats Rebecca Twigg to the finish line of the women's road race at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.</strong><br><br><em>Photo: Steve Powell/Getty Images</em>

Cycling at the First Modern Olympics

What do a 100K track race and a 12-hour track race have in common? They were two of the six cycling events staged at the 1896 Olympics. In this Olympic year, take a look at the creation and evolution of the Games.

Photo: Steve Powell/Getty Images

Courtesy of USOC Press Box

Olympians Take Time Out: Heather Corrie

Find out what Olympian Heather Corrie eats during a typical training meal.

A Chance Encounter With a Famous Face in the Crowd

Until they're splashed across our TV screens, most Olympians aren't household names. Would you notice one standing beside you?

AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi

BMX Star Tells How to Train

From proper nutrition to just getting time on the bike, Arielle Martin talks about key components of BMX training.

<strong>The men's race begins at the 2006 Beijing ITU World Cup event.</strong><br><br><em>AP Photo/Color China Photo</em>

Designing the Olympic Selection Process

While simply going to the Olympics is an honor, the ultimate goal is to win gold. So which method of selecting athletes will send the best to Beijing?

AP Photo/Color China Photo

Courtesy of USOC Press Box

Olympians Take Time Out: Julie Swail Ertel

Find out what's on Olympian Julie Swail Ertel's iPod playlist.

<strong>The Olympic venue known as the Bird's Nest is shrouded in smog as construction workers work in the foreground.</strong><br><br><em>AP Photo/Oded Balilty</em>

Smogging the Competition: Polluted Air and Athletes

Beijing's air quality has some athletes wondering if competing in the Olympics is worth the risk to their health. But can a single, limited-time exposure to air pollution lead to permanent damage?

AP Photo/Oded Balilty

Courtesy of USOC Press Box

Olympians Take Time Out: Jarrod Shoemaker

Find out what triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker eats while he's training.

Becoming an Olympian

Jeff Galloway describes how he went from a young man without direction to making the Olympic team--and made his "impossible dream" a reality one step at a time.

<strong>Competitors climb a hill during the men's triathlon at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.</strong><br><br><em>AP Photo/ Douglas C. Pizac</em>

2008: An Olympic Year

This August, Olympic triathletes will compete for only the third time ever. Here's a look at the organization and history of the Games.

AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac

<strong>Andy Potts exits the water on his way to winning the 2007 Pan Am Games triathlon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.</strong><br><br><em>AP Photo/Andre Penner</em>

Getting a Spot on the Olympic Start Line

Unlike its long-distance cousin, Olympic triathlon is fast-paced, down-to-the-wire competitive and spectator friendly. So how do these athletes earn the right to toe the line in Beijing come August?

AP Photo/Andre Penner

<strong>Triathletes ride past the Sydney Opera House at the 2000 Olympic Games.</strong><br><br><em>AP Photo/David Guttenfelder</em>

Space at the Olympics is Limited

Being part of the biggest sporting event in the world takes planning, investment and commitment--whether you're an athlete or the host city. Here's a breakdown of Olympics past and future.

AP Photo/David Guttenfelder

The Greatest Workout Known To Man

Tap into the power of Olympic weight lifting and experience the best gains of your life.