The British duo finish fourth as they gaze up admiringly at the dominant Chinese
Athletes
Disks of Iron and Nerves of Steel: Why Weight Lifting Rules
This event strips sport down to its purest essence. Every sinew, every pulsing of the temple displays itself, as does every murmur of doubt and blaze of confidence
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’
13 Winning Olympic Apps
Go for the Gold with TIME’s list of essential Olympics apps for smartphones and tablets
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
Diving: The New Sport for Wunderkinds
Now that gymnastics bars competitors under 16, diving, where competitors can be as young as 14, is where the youngest stars, like Carolina Mendoza, just 15 years old, are to be found
Mexico 1968: What Really Happened When Two Americans Raised Their Fists
A new film, “Salute,” explores how a medal-stand gesture changed the lives of Tommie Smith and John Carlos — plus the Australian silver medalist who supported them
27 Things You Didn’t Know About the Olympics
As you sit down to watch the opening ceremonies with friends, TIME gives you a crib sheet of little-known Olympics facts– from what’s a Fosbury Flop to who the youngest Olympian ever is– to score you the title of Smartest …
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.
How Adam Gemili Became Britain’s Biggest Sprinting Star in Just 7 Months
Can a British teenager run under 10 seconds at his home Olympics?