Olympic Games

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?

By Jessika Toothman

Twenty-one cities have hosted the Winter Olympics, but many of them may soon be too warm for cold weather games.

By Laurie L. Dove

They'll compete in 10 events over two grueling days in Rio next week. Does that make decathletes the ultimate Olympic athletes?

By John Donovan

The Olympic flame is supposed to never go out until the games have ended. But hey, accidents happen. Here's what happens after the accidents.

By Jesslyn Shields

What other sport allows you to fly 30 feet into the air and perform a fliffis?

By Allison Loudermilk

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.

By Laurie L. Dove

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.

By Jessika Toothman

Maybe you've heard about the lightning-quick South African runner Oscar Pistorius and his trusty Cheetahs. What other prosthetic innovations have struck gold at the Paralympics?

By Jessika Toothman

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.

By Jessika Toothman

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?

By Jessika Toothman

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.

By Jessika Toothman

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.

By Jessika Toothman

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.

By Jessika Toothman

London 2012 seems like a lock, which means we'll be camped in front of the screen watching all sorts of extraordinary athletic feats this summer. Have circumstances ever led to the cancellation of this awesome spectacle?

By Jessika Toothman

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.

By Jessika Toothman

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?

By Jessika Toothman

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?

By Jessika Toothman

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?

By Jessika Toothman

Drama, beauty and intrigue abound among these often pint-sized athletes, compelling millions of people around the world to watch competitive figure skating and anticipate the fierce competition. What exactly is a triple lutz, and how is it scored?

By Alia Hoyt

Track & field, gymnastics and soccer are all sports that make up the Olympic Games. These and other Olympic events are highlighted in this collection of photos.

Before today's spandex-clad (and some sequined) Olympians set their sights on the gold, silver or bronze, ancient Greeks competed for victory. How did the games begin, and why were the athletes gunning for olive oil?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Imagine sliding down an icy hill, with your face only a few inches away from the ground -- at 80 miles per hour. Learn about the intense winter Olympisc sport of skeleton, and how the competition works.

In timed Olympic events, the difference between gold and silver can come down to a fraction of a second. You won't find that kind of accuracy in your typical wristwatch. Find out about the systems (and backup systems) that keep Olympic timing honest.

By Lacy Perry & Kate Kershner

The Olympics aren't too far off so get ready! This article chronicles the history of the Olympic torch reveals how it is designed to stay lit through all weather conditions and follows its path from Olympia Greece to the Olympic Games.

By Stephanie Watson