[NittanyLion]

I know a lot of people bash the Olympics because of the politics associated with the games. But when you know some of the athletes who've competed and won medals, you realize it's a nonpolitical event for them. Instead, this is simply a chance to compete against the greatest athletes in the world - when everyone's in their prime conditioning - and see how they stack up.

When you look past the IOC to the athletes (and remember there are 50 honest athletes for every Johann Muehlegg), you realize how meaningful it is.

[AntiGuv]

Absolutely. I definitely enjoy the big-ticket sports like track & field or swimming, but one of my favorite part of the Olympics are the more obscure events. The various personal storylines and the rivalries that develop are also a great part of the games for me. Just the entire spectacle with its celebration of athletics and devotion and sacrifice and achievement is very special.

[Guillermo]

Dude, are you just the biggest sports fan on earth, or what?

I follow sports, and am a huge fan, but do I know who the Olympic favorites in swimming are several months before the games?

Who are the favorites for archery and short-track cycling?