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0000017a-15d9-d736-a57f-17ff8ba20001The 2012 Summer Olympics, the Games of the XXX Olympiad, will take place in London, England, United Kingdom from July 27 - August 12.Athletes from over 200 countries are expected to compete in 36 different events.For full schedule and results, plus more information, visit the official London 2012 website.

History of Going for the Gold

Photo Credit briandeadly, Via Flickr Creative Commons

Gold medal victories of Michael Phelps, Carl Lewis, Kerry Strug, and Joan Benoit...these moments of triumph, sometimes against all odds are what make the Olympics stand apart from other sports competition. The idea that a human being can achieve feats most of us can only imagine. Here to tell some less familiar stories of Olympic glory and to unravel the ancient origins of the games is Stephen Amidon, author of “Something Like the Gods: A Cultural History of the Athlete from Achilles to Lebron.”

The Gold Medal Victories of...

Michael Phelps

Carl Lewis

Kerry Strug

Joan Benoit 

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