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Archery
Precision and nerves of steel are key
Badminton
The world's fastest racket sport dates to the 5th century BCE
Basketball
Twelve teams battle for gold
Boxing
This event was considered too violent at the first modern Olympics in 1896
Canoe/Kayak
These aren't the canoes you see navigating lakes and ponds
Cycling
BMX cycling returns after debut in 2008
Diving
One of the Olympics' most-watched events
Equestrian
The only Olympic sport in which humans and animals are teammates
Fencing
Three types of swords are used in Olympic fencing
Field Hockey
Both men and women compete
Gymnastics
Artistic Gymnastics
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Trampoline
This division of gymnastics made its Olympic debut in 2000
Handball
Soccer with the hands instead of the feet
Judo
A mix of strength, flexibility, and technique
Modern Pentathlon
An interesting combination: shooting, fencing, swimming, horse-show jumping, and running
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Rowing
Rowing requires calm water
Sailing
The event name yachting was changed to sailing in 2000
Shooting
Shotgun, rifle, pistol, and air guns are used
Soccer
England looks forward to the home-field advantage
Swimming
Michael Phelps tries for more Olympic gold
Synchronized Swimming
A combination of ballet and gymnastics in water
Table Tennis
The world's largest "participation" sport, better known as ping pong
Taekwondo
Taekwondo means "the way of hands and feet."
Tennis
Players take to the grass courts of Wimbledon
Track & Field
Called Athletics in London
Triathlon
The sport of ironmen and ironwomen
Volleyball
A sport where digs make a difference
Water Polo
Inspired by the game of rugby
Weightlifting
One of the oldest—and simpliest—form of competition
Women's Boxing
This event makes its Olympic debut in London
Wrestling
The focus of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896
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