Beijing 2008 Olympics | csmonitor.com

Olympic success boosts China’s confidence

The success of the Olympics is expected to help China’s leaders and people trust the rest of the world more readily, and tone down an often aggrieved nationalism.

Beijing Olympics: A tough act for London to follow

The 2012 host faces numerous challenges, including tight budgets, security concerns, and a dearth of homegrown Olympic champions in many sports.

Under blue skies, Beijing dazzled as Olympic host

Gloomy forecasts of smog, terrorism, and rude hosts all but evaporated during the 17-day sports extravaganza, though concern remained about human rights.

For the unsung javelin throw, millions of superfans

Many Olympic events get little notice worldwide but have huge national followings. For Finland, the javelin throw is a national obsession.

China: Can Olympic gold last?

Its dominance at the Beijing Games’ gold-medal table relied on a massive centralized sports system.

How nations dominate niche sports

Why does China crush opponents in diving? How does South Korea do so well in archery? Excellence in an Olympic sport can be a result of traditions or serendipity.

Beijing artist finds front-row seats for Olympic workers

Almost 300,000 migrant workers who constructed Olympics sites and infrastructure were driven out of Beijing before the Games. Now, some are returning to the Bird’s Nest to enjoy their handiwork.

An Olympic hero, airbrushed from China’s history

Shifting political winds may explain the lack of awareness about Chiu Teng Hiok, who helped the British shine in basketball at the 1924 Paris Games.

‘Redeem Team’ wants more than Olympic gold

US men’s basketball is trying to fix its image (and win) by putting teamwork before ego. Quarterfinals start Wednesday.

For some US gymnasts, success is a family affair

Gold medalist Nastia Liukin’s father is also her coach. It’s a delicate balance they’ve worked out over years.

China tightens grip on protesters

‘Protest pens’ have been empty. Those who have sought permission to demonstrate have been detained or harassed.

Amid injury, an opportunity to exhibit Olympic traits

Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang withdrew from competition today in a huge blow to the host nation. But many athletes say such disappointments spur dedication – and successful comebacks.

For Beijing’s businesses, the Games fall short of gold

Tourism has been hurt by visa controls, high prices, and unrest in Tibet.

The Phelps Olympics: An epic fit for ancient Greece

Michael Phelps’s eight gold medals in these Games could help make the swimmer the greatest Olympian of all time.

Bad boy and diving diva flout China’s athletic norm

Badminton player Lin Dan and diver Guo Jingjing stand out – both as gold medalists and as rebels in a sports system specifically designed to avoid such things.

Two Chinese superstars shine in Beijing – as part of Team USA

"Jenny” Lang Ping and Chow Liang, the coaches of the US volleyball team and American gymnast Shawn Johnson respectively, have returned home to great acclaim.

Katrina survivor’s Olympian efforts win him a berth on US sailing team

John Dane III made several failed Olympic bids before the 2005 hurricane destroyed his yacht manufacturing business. He persevered, rebuilt his business, and is now sailing for gold.

In search of a little fun amid the Games

Tourists complain that security concerns have subdued Beijing's nightlife

Best international players? They’re not necessarily in the NBA.

Coming back from burnout

Cyclist Sarah Hammer quit at age 20 to pursue a ‘normal’ life. Now she’s going for gold.

Old Beijing tries to avoid wrecking ball

Up to 1.5 million residents lost their homes to Olympics-related development, often with little compensation or choice. Defiant homeowners have seen their property trashed.