Articles from Contributor
Want to Win an Olympic Medal? Try the Japanese Sport of Judo
Few Olympic sports have such a wide spectrum of countries competing and medaling as Judo. Even Japan, which used to maintain a death grip on the top ranks of judo, must battle with a United Nations’ rainbow of worthy competitors.
The Year of the Woman: The London Olympics Strike Early for Gender Equality
One hundred and sixteen years after the modern Olympic movement began, London heralds the ‘Year of the Woman’
Mongolia: How the Sparsely Populated Land of Genghis Khan Succeeds at the Olympics
When their most famous native son is a 13th century conqueror who amassed the largest land empire in history, it’s not surprising that Mongolians have evolved into a rather sporty bunch. The land of Genghis Khan is populated …
Reality or Strategy? China Plays Down Hopes of Beating the U.S. in Gold-Medal Count
After topping the gold-medal count on home turf in Beijing four years ago, China is loudly lowering expectations of another triumphant performance in London
Can China’s Hurdler Liu Xiang Avoid Injury and Bring Home Gold?
In 2008, the gold-medal favorite disappointed the home nation when he pulled out of his race with an injury. In London, Liu Xiang is looking for redemption.
The Other Olympic Sports
Sprinters, swimmers and tumblers in sequined leotards may drive T.V. ratings in the U.S., but here are five lesser-known Olympic disciplines that draw rabid fans around the world