Don Deane

Olympic taekwondo may not be as popular as, say, swimming or track and field, but its athletes are just as motivated. Take Diana Lopez, for example, a fierce competitor in the sport who hopes to soon add gold to her 2008 bronze medal win in Beijing.

As one-half of the legendary team also starring Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh-Jennings is instantly recognizable as one of the greatest beach volleyball players in the world. Together, they’re defending Olympic champions who won gold medals in both the 2004 and 2008 games, and they’re looking to repeat their success for a third time in London this year.

While soccer isn’t nearly as popular here as it is in other parts of the world, it seems to get its due in the US during the Olympics, at least. And when the women’s national soccer team won gold after a hotly-contested battle against Brazil at the 2008 Games in Beijing, its members became superstars.

The 2012 US Olympic tennis team roster — which includes Serena and Venus Williams and Andy Roddick just to name a few — reads like a who’s who of the sport. But to casual fans, brothers Bob and Mike Bryan may not be as instantly recognizable.

Many of the 49 men and women who make up this year’s US swimming squad — like Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Jessica Hardy and Rebecca Soni — have years of experience. But fresh-faced Missy Franklin is a relative newcomer to the sport.

At 27 years old, swimmer Michael Phelps is at the top of his game. He’s won countless honors, awards and medals during his career, leading some to describe him as the greatest athlete in history to ever grace the sport.

For more than a decade, Michael Phelps has been the undisputed star of male competitive swimming. But that may change when 27-year-old Ryan Lochte competes at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London and vies for the title of the fastest swimmer alive. To get to know this athlete better, here are 10 things you may not know about the Olympic hopeful.

On ‘Conan,’ Conan O’Brien thought it time someone poked fun at the clothing NBA players wear during post-game interviews. Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder, in particular, has gained some notoriety for bad fashion choices. Really, Russell? A shirt with a print of teddy bears?

Energy and sports drinks may be a great way to get a pick-me-up, but a new study published in the journal General Dentistry says they may be doing permanent damage to your teeth, as well.

Sean Leonard and fiance Shannon Smith Moore, the couple who stole a foul ball from a little boy and made him cry during a game between the Yankees and the Rangers on Wednesday night, recently spoke to ABC and said they were completely oblivious to the drama playing out right beside them. Do you believe them?

The people of Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ontario take Christmas very seriously and routinely dress their town in the finest holiday regalia. This dazzling Christmas display is no exception.

Two Iranian soccer players have been suspended from the sport indefinitely, fined nearly $40,000 each, and could face public lashings for a celebratory butt-grab after their team won a match last Saturday. That’s one costly pat on the rump.