One by one they shadow-boxed their way into the darkened Excel Arena, spotlights trained on them as if they were heavyweight champions of the world. Six contenders, fighting their way to three history-making gold medals. All the …
Olympics
The Sights and Sounds of the Olympics
With the London Games almost at an end, fans reflect upon inspirational moments and their favorite athletes
Olympic Homophobia: Why Are There So Few Openly Gay Athletes?
In the high-profile world of Olympic competition, only a small (but growing) number of gay athletes have publicly acknowledged their sexual orientation.
Wonder Women
Why the London Games were a barrier breaker for female athletes
Olympic Beauty Statements: Bold, Beautiful and Downright Bizarre
From Ryan Locthe’s patriotic grill to Venus Williams’s colorful ponytail, TIME looks at the competitors’ most memorable style choices.
U.S. Beach Volleyball Team of May-Treanor and Walsh Win Record Third Consecutive Gold
It’s everywhere you go in London – on signs, on banners, and covering the mats in venues. It’s the shocking pink that is London 2012’s color scheme
Give the BBC a Gold Medal: A Love Letter to Britain’s Olympic Broadcaster
Even as I’ve taken my place in the Olympic Stadium, there’s been a niggling sense that the best views are from my armchair. Dear BBC, you’re even better than the real thing.
Olympic Volunteers Are Earning The “Games Makers” Title
Olympic athletes have long inspired admiration, but the London Games have introduced the world to a new set of heroes: volunteers
The Olympic Houses: Bringing the Games to Life
At least 18 countries are showcasing what they have to offer by opening their diverse doors to the world. TIME takes a peek inside three Olympic Houses
The Strange but Beautiful Art of Synchronized Swimming
From eerie fairytale inspired routines to over the top outfits and makeup, TIME presents the best pictures of the glamorous yet misunderstood sport of synchronized swimming at the 2012 London Olympics.