Re-live Indonesian Taufik Hidayat’s gold medal win over South Korea’s Shon Seung Mo in this video of the 2004 Olympics badminton finals. Taufik is going to defend his title in Beijing as Indonesia is fielding him again. Fellow countryman Sony Dwo Kuncoro will join him in the singles competition.

According to the Badminton World Federation, the following men’s doubles and mixed doubles teams have earned tickets to Beijing: Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan, Luluk Hadiyanto/Alvent Yulianto, Nova Widianto/Lilyana Natsir and Flandy Limpele/Vita Marissa.

Meanwhile, Maria Kristin Yulianti will carry Indonesia’s banner in the women’s singles. Vita Marissa/Lilyana Natsir will do the same in women’s doubles.

A video of Tonique Williams-Darling’s gold medal winning run in the 400-meter event. Tonique represented the Bahamas during the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Tonique took 2007 off because of injuries but is looking forward to the Beijing Olympics.

Here’s Italian marathoner and 2004 Athens gold medalist Stefano Baldini’s road to Beijing:

1. Participate in the 2008 London marathon as part of his Olympic preparation
2. Unfortunately develop a stress fracture in his left leg
3. Miss 30 days of training

It isn’t clear how much this reduced training period will affect Baldini’s goal to defend his Olympic title.

PHOTO CREDIT: BBC

Because Olympic badminton gold medalist Zhang Ning is not part of the Chinese team going to the Uber Cup in Jakarta, does this mean that she will not be chosen to represent her country this coming Olympics? Badzine speculates.

Photo credit: badzine

Okay, after that ghost-assisted decision to make this blog about Olympians, here’s our first post on a certified Olympic star. Guys and gals (but especially gals), meet Liu Xiang.

We’re sure the Olympic enthusiasts among you already know who he is but for those of you who don’t, here are three things you should know about him.

First, Liu Xiang won the gold medal for the 110 meter hurdles during the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Second, Xiang has very big shoes. And you know what people say about men with large shoes, right? You don’t? Okay, here’s what they say: Men with large shoes have big FEET. [Click and drag to highlight hidden word.] Here’s Xiang and his indisputably large shoes.

Finally, the third thing you should know about Xiang is that he will show you a fantastic Air Liu if you go to the Beijing Olympics.

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