In a story that leads some to call these Olympics the "Dope Games," several track and field athletes are revealed as having tested positive for banned substances. Andreea Raducan, the Romanian gymnast who had won the coveted women's all-around event, is stripped of her gold medal for using another banned substance, found in cold medicine she took during the games.

8. Individual swimmers dominate the pool.

Aussie Ian Thorpe, a.k.a. the Thorpedo, Holland's dynamic duo of Inge de Bruijn and Pieter van den Hoogenband, and Americans Jenny Thompson, Gary Hall Jr., and Lenny Krayzelburg highlight the first week. More than 15 swimming world records fall.

7. Dream Team almost loses to Lithuania, twice!

There was once a time when the U.S. men's basketball team was so dominant that no one thought the squad would ever lose as long as NBA talent was allowed to participate. It's true no more. America manages to beat Lithuania by nine points in the preliminary round, but has to hold off for a two-point victory in the semifinals in a rematch.

6. US smashes the Aussies "like guitars" in the pool

The Americans and Australians came into these Olympics vying for the title of swimming supremacy. American Gary Hall Jr. predicted they would smash the Australian swimmers like guitars, and when all was said and done, they did, winning 29 medals to the Australians' 14.