Finally she breaks into the clear and boots the ball into the corner of the net, past the outreached arms of the diving goalkeeper. Millions cheer in living rooms, lounges and airports as their nation's team brings home the gold. Swimmers churn, gymnasts vault, weightlifters strainfaster, higher, stronger in hopes of glory. In September, more than 10,000 athletes from more than 200 nations will compete in Sydney, Australia, for Olympic medals in more than 40 sports from archery to wrestling. The modern Olympics began in Athens, Greece, in 1896, and now captures the hearts of millions.
Fans thrill to courageous performances and dramatic victories.
They cry with the heartbreak of loss and wince at demonstrations of playing through pain. Recent financial and ethical scandals have tainted the Olympic movement as tales emerged of International Olympic Committee members cashing in on their site-selection power to gain money and privilege from aspiring host cities. IOC officials have promised to clean up their act. Meanwhile, athletes from around the globe have invested countless hours in exhausting training, pushing themselves to excel in Sydney as they seek personal and national success. For some, it's the chance to represent their country on one of sports' grandest stages.