At the crack of the pistol, a multicolored, multinational blur bursts forth. In a few seconds, raised arms signal victory. A new Olympic champion is crowned. Viewers' hearts beat faster as the soccer star dribbles and weaves through opponents toward the goal. 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.