HowStuffWorks Newsletter
The Olympics section gives you an insight into the Olympic sports and the Olympic spirit.
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At least 100 technical experts from 24 countries will provide professional repair and maintenance to the athletes' prosthetics and orthotics at the Technical Repair Service Center in Tokyo.
By John Donovan
Like the Tokyo Olympics, the Paralympic Games are happening a year late. But these athletes are equally, if not more, impressive to watch on the courts, beaches and in the pool. We'll explain what it takes to make it as a Paralympian.
By John Donovan
It may surprise you that even in 2021 there are a few Olympic sports that are not open to both genders.
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Weather models are predicting that a tropical cyclone or typhoon will develop to the southeast of Japan, sending powerful swells to the Olympics. This should make ideal waves for the first surfing event ever.
By Sally Warner
Every two years, pandemic notwithstanding, the world's elite athletes gather to take their shot at the ultimate prize: the Olympic gold medal. How much do you know about this storied event?
By Alia Hoyt
Between a yearlong delay and a still-ongoing global pandemic, Tokyo 2020 (or 2021 if you prefer) is not the Olympics anyone expected. But it's sure to be one we will never forget.
The Tokyo Olympics are happening a year late, but what was the delay like for the athletes who've trained their entire lives just to get there? For some, it was a huge physical and mental struggle. For others, it was just too much.
By John Donovan
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Admit it: You cry every time you watch the parade of athletes in the opening ceremony. We do, too. What other official stuff goes down at this ultimate Olympic gala?
Twenty-one cities have hosted the Winter Olympics, but many of them may soon be too warm for cold weather games.
They'll compete in 10 events over two grueling days in Tokyo. Does that make the gold medalist in the decathlon the best athlete in the world?
By John Donovan
The Olympic flame is supposed to never go out until the games have ended. But hey, accidents happen. So how is the torch relit?
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What other sport allows you to fly 30 feet into the air and perform a fliffis?
The cost of hosting the Olympic Games has risen astronomically, but some cities are willing to foot the bill in exchange for increased tourism and better infrastructure. But what happens when it doesn't pay off? Here are 10 cautionary tales.
Their athletic feats are the stuff of legend. Their dedication and fortitude boggle the minds of mere mortals. See the photos and learn the stories of 16 competitors who rose to the podium as they represented their countries in global competition.
Your window for learning your way around this year's Summer Games is closing fast. Get to know some of the venues where world records are sure to be stomped on.
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So you didn't qualify for the London Olympics this year. It's OK. We didn't either. But if you read this list and start working on these factors pronto, you might be ready for Sochi in 2014.
Watch the Olympics long enough, and you'll see athletes from the same countries hording all that gold, silver and bronze. But what if we looked at Olympic performance not just in terms of overall medal count?
Winning an Olympic medal is an incredibly special and rare honor, so most people never get to see them up close. But throughout the years, these coveted awards have had some really unique and diverse designs. Take a peek.
From the parade of nations to the lighting of the cauldron, the official pageantry that accompanies the Olympics is part of what makes it so much fun. To celebrate Olympic history, we’ve compiled an image gallery commemorating a few of our favorite posters over the years.
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From the vantage point of the couch, they all look pretty amazing, but these five extraordinary people did some pretty crazy stuff to land on our list, like winning six medals. In one day.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed until the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people thought they should have been canceled outright, but has that ever happened before?
The city you live in is pretty cool, right? Then how come it hasn't hosted the Olympics yet? Read this article and you might be on your (Olympic) way. Then again, it may make you rethink that grand vision.
Ah yes, the Olympic flame burning bright is a lovely sight. You know what's an even lovelier sight for the host city? Piles of cash from putting on the esteemed athletic contest. Do those ever materialize?
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The top prize at the Olympics is the gold medal, and that's how it's always been, right? Not quite. How has the coveted Olympic prize changed over the years, and how much are they really worth?
The Olympics haven't always been the pageantry-filled events they are today. Back in 1900, you might have taken in a tug-of-war contest before heading off to hot air ballooning. What other strange sports have existed in Olympic history?