August 31, 2004
Greek women lead Olympics to success
Their success at the Games could be a catalyst for change in Greece.
August 30, 2004
At these Games, the big sports powers see less gold
Gold medals at these Games will be more evenly distributed than at any since 1952.
A 'new Greece' beams after success of Games
As Greeks get a boost, it remains unclear if success will mean higher stature in Europe.
August 27, 2004
The Olympics, outside the camera angles
The Athens I have come to know is a never-ending string of nights that seamlessly seep into the wee hours of morning.
Losing is an art for most Olympians
For the thousands of athletes who don't medal, the Olympics teach lessons in defeat.
August 26, 2004
Next great gold-medal rival: China
The host of the 2008 Games surges in wins.
Adding levity to track and field
Two US cutups bring Olympic laughs.
For Israel, a first gold medal and affirmation of statehood
Windsurfing gold medal goes to Israel.
August 25, 2004
Athletic prowess, fallible judging
Fans and athletes give Olympic judges low marks.
Why NBA players are off their game at the Olympics
The quarterfinal matchup Thursday may well show their weaknesses in team play and outside shooting.
August 24, 2004
Why more races are coming down to a whisker
As more nations compete well in the Olympics, the space between each competitor has narrowed.
Two histories of the ancient games
Two new books take a look at the ancient Olympic Games. It appears the agony of defeat was as physical as it was psychological.
Despite worries, a smooth logistical ride to the Games
Plentiful buses, helpful volunteers, and efficient security have added up to 'positive surprises' for the host city.
August 23, 2004
The great Olympic beach bash
Buoyed by legions of young fans, beach volleyball is one of the few events to sell out night after night.
Underneath the competition, sportsmanship ethic prevails
Many athletes exude ideals of Games, from embraces in the pool to a fencing timeout.
Will gene-altered athletes kill sport?
Soon, animal DNA could make us faster and stronger - no training needed.
August 19, 2004
An athlete's golden redemption
US gymnast Paul Hamm's victory brought some of the most absorbing theater of the Olympics' first week.
A new generation of US sprinters take their marks
As track and field begins at the Games, it is up to athletes like Lauryn Williams to set right a sport seared by scandal.
For soldier-athletes in Athens, US flag more than point of pride
For US military athletes the Games are a chance to pay tribute to those still in harm's way.
August 18, 2004
Greek baseball team, made in the USA
As the Games' host, Greece can field a team in any sport without qualifying. But where to find a cleanup hitter?
Olympic drama, but no chorus
Officials hope the empty spectator seats fill soon, overcoming provincialism and terror fears.
August 17, 2004
For US team, the night of decision
The women gymnasts are favored to make history and win gold Tuesday - a Wheaties box moment waiting to happen.
Even Greek grandmas root for the home team
In 2000, Greece only brought home 13 medals. The Greek Olympic Committee is hoping to double that number.
August 16, 2004
In Athens, skepticism yields to anticipation
Residents have taken more pride in their nation's Games as Friday night's kickoff has neared.
Eye on Athens, China stresses a 'frugal' 2008 Olympics
Amid a reevaluation, officials this week pushed the completion date for venues back a year, to 2007.
Cult of the 'body beautiful'
The ancient Greeks admired athletes and immortalized their heroes in art.
August 12, 2004
US still favored, but world is gaining
As the Games begin Friday, the Americans will be defending Olympic gold, but other countries are catching up.
Athens goes 'sci-fi' for Olympics security
The host city has spent $1.5 billion on antiterrorism efforts for the Games, which open Friday.
Faster than nature
This month's Olympic Games will showcase technology that makes athletes go faster and stay cooler.
August 10, 2004
Beyond medals: athletes in pursuit of the Olympic spirit
The essence of the Games lies in hard work, a willingness to forgo financial security, and team camaraderie.
Russia poised to flex Soviet-era muscle in Athens Olympics
This year's group of Russian athletes hopes to win at least 30 medals at the Olympics.
Kidspace: Olympic leaps
The Games have included some wild and woolly sports. Here's how they decide what qualifies.
August 9, 2004
For X Games generation, Olympic yawn
Forget the X Games: These are your parents' Olympics.
August 6, 2004
Olympic feat: modernizing Athens
The ancient city is working down to the wire for the homecoming of the Games.
August 5, 2004
Task for Olympians: How not to be 'ugly Americans'
In a world sensitized to the US' global role, American athletes are advised to play hard, lie low.
July 19, 2004
For the US, this Olympic Games may be all about the swimming pool
Swim team's predicted dominance expected to swamp Track and Field's traditional prominence.
July 9, 2004
In Olympic track, whispers of drugs cast a fog of doubt
A looming court decision could turn doping rumors to harsh reality for athletes and fans.
June 10, 2004
Olympians weigh safety vs. glory
Although Athens has devoted record sums to security, athletes are questioning the safety of the 2004 Games.
June 7, 2004
Designer drugs could sideline Olympic stars
Scrutiny of athletes could lead to US competitors being barred from the Games without testing positive.
CONTENTS
- Politics and the Games
- Ten unforgettable Olympic moments
- Events you won't see in 2004
- Ancient holdovers
- Olympic host cities
- US TV Schedule
- For more information
PHOTO GALLERY
Aug. 26, 2004