olympics

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13 Medal-Worthy Olympic Stories

To become an Olympic hero in our book, it takes more than athleticism. Whether they were training in an internment camp or somersaulting with one leg, these athletes deserve infinite points for style. Some of them lost big-time, but all of them won our twisted little hearts. 1. The Weightlifter Who Beefed Up at a Japanese Internment... READ ON

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What Do the Olympic Rings Mean?

In 1894, Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin—a French aristocrat and intellectual who had previously attempted to incorporate more physical education in schools—convened a congress in Paris with the goal of reviving the ancient Olympic Games (an idea Coubertin first introduced at a USFSA meeting in 1889). The congress agreed on proposals for a modern Olympics, and the International Olympic Committee was soon formalized and given the task of planning the 1896 Athens Games. After the 1912 Stockholm... READ ON

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Olympic Uniforms for the 2012 Opening Ceremonies

When the London Olympics open on July 27th, the Parade of Nations will be our introduction to the 2012 athletes. What each team wears to the Opening Ceremonies is the stuff of much conjecture, drama, pride, gossip, and criticism. Let's see what some of the teams will be... READ ON

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The 2012 Olympic Torch Relay

Less than a month to go before the opening of the London Olympics, and we are halfway through the 70-day Olympic Torch Relay that takes the Olympic Flame through all four countries of the United Kingdom. The route covers 8,000 miles and involves 8,000 relay... READ ON

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What Do Olympians Eat? 5 Crazy Training Diets

Back in 2008, during the Beijing Olympics, we were regaled with stories about the monstrous 12,000 calorie daily diet that American swimming sensation Michael Phelps consumed while gearing up for the Games. Alas, Phelps revealed last month his diet has never been that gargantuan. "I never ate that much," he said. "It's all a myth. I've never eaten that many calories." Although what the Olympic gold record-holder actually eats might remain a mystery, athletes around the world are trying out different meal... READ ON

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Wacky Tales from Olympics Past

We're big Olympics fans here at mental_floss, and it's killing us that we've got to wait nearly two more years until the London Olympics begin. In the meantime, let's scratch our Olympic itch by looking at some stories you might not know from earlier Games. Marathon... READ ON

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How Do You Steer a Bobsled? An Olympic Equipment FAQ

Now that the Olympics are well underway, you might have developed a few questions about the games' equipment. How does one steer a bobsled? What sort of gear do you need to jump into the competitive world of curling? Let's take a crack at answering some of your most pressing queries. How do you steer a... READ ON

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The Weird & Scary History of Winter Olympic Mascots

Some of them are adorable. Some of them are atrocious. All of them are, on some level, creepy. They are the mascots of the Winter Olympic Games, and these are their stories. 1968: Schuss "“... READ ON

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Epic Olympic Win!

Here at mental_floss, we're all about the Olympics. If you missed any of our amazing pieces last week, here's a recap. 10 Tales of Warm-Weather Winter Olympians 13 Medal-Worthy Olympic Stories Who Else Has Lit the Olympic Cauldron? What Do the Olympic Rings Mean? Going Solo: 8 Countries With Only One Olympian 7 Dubious Ways to Gain an Olympic Edge And just because it's Sunday, here's an Olympic-themed funny we thought you might like, courtesy of our friends (read: yours truly + Yael... READ ON

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The Origins of 10 Winter Olympic Sports

The Winter Olympics are still a week and a half away, but it's never too early to start getting warmed up. Let's take a look at the origins of some of the events you'll be enjoying from Vancouver. 1. Figure... READ ON