America.gov-Sports: 2008 Olympics

Sports Come and Go from the Olympics

Kelly Bronk — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:18:19 GMT

Throughout Olympic history, many unusual sports like tug of war, croquet and jeu de paume have been contested at the games. There are two main criteria for a sport to be eligible for inclusion: It must have an international association or governing body, and the sport must be practiced widely by men and women around the world.

Beijing’s Olympic Village Provides Comfort, Duck for Athletes

Kelly Bronk — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:39:01 GMT

Nothing but glowing praise has been heard for the new apartment complex in the Olympic Village that is housing the world's best athletes. "The facilities are excellent, probably the best Olympic venue and village that I've been at yet," said veteran U.S. archer Butch Johnson.

U.S. Olympic Fencers Make it a Triple Feat

Kelly Bronk — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:43:13 GMT

In a strong return to Olympic action in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the United States swept the medals in women’s sabre. Mariel Zagunis wins the gold medal for the second straight Olympics, Sada Jacobson the silver, and Becca Ward the bronze.

U.S. Olympians: Aged to Perfection

Kelly Bronk — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:15:28 GMT

A number of U.S. Olympians, like Libby Callahan, are older then 50. This may be the start of a new trend, as age is no longer a limit for Olympic competition.

Athletes Can Give Back Through “Team for Tomorrow”

Kelly Bronk — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:38:41 GMT

Team for Tomorrow is a new humanitarian relief effort through which U.S. athletes will offer assistance to people around the world who are in need.

Opening Ceremony Kicks Off 2008 Summer Olympic Games

Kelly Bronk — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:44:16 GMT

More than 90,000 athletes and spectators will attend the opening ceremony for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Lopez Lomong will carry the American flag and lead the United States team into National Stadium. Lomong came to America in 2001 as part of a program to relocate refugee orphans from war-torn Sudan.

2008 Games Could Mark “Strike Three” for Baseball in Olympics

Kelly Bronk — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:00:46 GMT

The 2008 Summer Games may be the last time baseball is played in the Olympics. Baseball will be eliminated starting in 2012, but supporters are hopeful for its return in 2016. Eight baseball teams will take part in the Beijing Olympic Games August 13-23 at the specially built Wukesong Baseball Field.

U.S. Olympic Team Reflects America’s Global Roots

Kelly Bronk — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:53:38 GMT

With the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games just days away, athletes from around the world are converging on Beijing. Among the members of the U.S. Olympic team competing in the games are some who were born elsewhere in the world but now call the United States home.

Olympic Swimmer Tackles Fifth Olympic Games at 41

Kelly Bronk — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:01:32 GMT

Dara Torres has swum in four Olympics spanning three decades. In between her swimming career she also has worked as a sports commentator and related jobs. Torres is now heading to Beijing to compete in her fifth Olympics and seize the chance to become the oldest swimming medalist in history at age 41.

Sports Exchanges with Iran Build Bridges

Kelly Bronk — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:17:28 GMT

In the run-up to the Olympics, the State Department brings to the United States two Iranian national teams, the table tennis and basketball teams, to practice and compete in the United States as part of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Americans Passionate, Patriotic About Olympic Games

Kelly Bronk — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:25:53 GMT

Americans will closely follow the 2008 Olympic Games in China from August 8 to 24, Olympic experts tell America.gov. The allure of playing on a world stage and “cultural pride” is attracting top U.S. athletes, such as basketball stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, to compete in the Olympics.

Sports Films Make Strong Showing at U.S. Film Festival

Kelly Bronk — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:04:11 GMT

Sports films make a strong showing at Silverdocs, one of America’s most respected documentary film festivals, with two films on the upcoming Olympics in Beijing. Other films look at a baseball team in Israel, women’s football (soccer) in the United States and Iran, and a football competition for homeless men.

U.S. Men’s Basketball Team Aims for Olympic Glory

Kelly Bronk — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:49:34 GMT

Mike Krzyzewski, coach of the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team, is looking forward to leading his team in its quest for a gold medal in Beijing. Krzyzewski fielded questions about preparing for the Olympic Games in a State Department webchat June 27.

Roster for U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball Team Announced

Kelly Bronk — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:13:54 GMT

When the 2008 U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball team hits the court in Beijing this August, the team will feature several experienced Olympians leading the way as the United States begins its quest to recapture the gold. The 12-player U.S. team, announced June 23, includes five players with previous Olympic experience.

An Interview with Famed U.S. Diving Coach Ron O’Brien

Kelly Bronk — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:52:28 GMT

A conversation with Ron O’Brien, U.S. head Olympic diving coach for seven straight Olympic Games. Ron O’Brien coached Greg Louganis to a double gold medal performance in the 1988 Olympic Games.

An Interview with Steve Fraser, United States Greco-Roman Wrestling Coach

Kelly Bronk — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 11:54:33 GMT

Greco-Roman wrestling’s first gold medalist in 1984 discusses coaching the United States national team in preparation for the Beijing Olympics.

Legacy of an Olympian: Making the Transition from Competitor to Coach

Kelly Bronk — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:08:53 GMT

Nathalie Bartleson, a 1996 synchronized swimming Olympic gold medalist, discusses her transition from being an Olympic athlete to being an Olympic coach. Bartleson is currently in the Management Development Program conducted by the U.S. Olympic Committee.