Events of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China

2008 Olympics

The Beijing Olympics recently kicked off with a bang; many hailed the opening ceremonies as the greatest in history. However, such a successful event can lead to high expectations – will these Olympics live up to their laudable beginnings?

So far, these Olympics have been interesting and eventful and certainly you could turn on the television at any point in the next two weeks and see an event worth watching. To help define some particular highlights, we think there are some events that demand your attention.

To that end, we offer a list of the seven can’t-miss events of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Men’s gymnastics. With injuries forcing twin brothers Paul and Morgan Hamm from competing in the Olympics, this men’s team has a tough road to travel. Though China’s dominance means that the United States (and every other country, for that matter) has little chance of a gold medal in the team event, the reconfigured U.S. men’s team was surprisingly strong in their debut. They might continue to surprise by bringing in a team medal, or a few individual medals.
Men’s swimming. Even if you have no interest in competitive swimming, watching an athlete attempt to break a record, go for a world best, or make a new record is always worth watching. Michael Phelps will attempt to win eight gold medals this Olympics. If he succeeds in all eight, it would break the previous record set by swimmer Mark Spitz, winner of seven medals in one Olympics. *Update – Michael Phelps HAS won eight gold medals, setting new world records along the way, including most gold medals won in a single Olympics for swimming.
Women’s beach volleyball. Sure, men enjoy watching women play beach volleyball for the hard bodies and lack of clothing more than the sport itself, but when you think about how hard it is to simply walk in the sand, you realize the true athletic skill of these volleyball players. In this Olympics, fans should watch Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor, the defending gold medalists who are the most decorated in this sport and haven’t lost one match in more than 60.
Men’s basketball. After the U.S. team’s surprising defeat at the 2004 Athens games, this team dubbed the “Redeem Team” is focused on winning the gold. Led by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, this team is strong and healthy. But other teams like Germany, led by Dirk Nowitski and Spain, led by Pau Gasol might give them a run for their money. China’s team, led by Yao Ming, has already been defeated by the Redeem Team.
Taekwondo. Although this sport doesn’t usually get primetime coverage, this year features the family of Steven, Mark and Diana Lopez; all of them compete in Taekwondo and all medal contenders this year. Their brother Jean is the coach.
Men’s 100 meter race. This race is one that experts say could be historic thanks to the competition between America’s Tyson Gay, and Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell, both of Jamaica. Powell won the world record for the 100 meter after it was held by Bolt. It’s been speculated that one (or all three) of these three men will run the fastest 100 meter in history.
Any live broadcast. The fact that the Olympics are being held in Beijing is significant. That thousands of television crew members are being given freedom of movement and the freedom to report how they see fit is fascinating. But watching a live report by Bob Costas as he stood on Tiananmen Square, site of the famous student protests in 1989, is truly something to behold.

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