World's Top 2008 Olympic Contenders

An unfortunate encounter with a javelin could’ve damaged Roman Sebrle’s athletic hopes – or worse – in 2007, but he returned to full strength in time to try to defend his Olympic decathlon championship in 2008.

Pole vaulters are supposed to go up and then come down, but Yelena Isinbayeva hasn’t come back to earth since setting a world record while winning the 2004 Olympics.

Long-jumper Irving Saladino overcame a knee injury and returned to his 2007 form in time for the Beijing Games.

In her first two Olympics Blanka Vlasic didn’t come close to the gold. In Beijing the long jump champ did come close - very close.

Phillips Idowu’s hair is often bright red but the medal he sought in Beijing was gold.

The dominant women’s shot-putter of 2007, Valerie Vili became the first New Zealander to win an Olympic track and field gold medal since 1952 when she dominated the Beijing Games.

In 2008 Kanter dethroned Virgilijus Alekna at the top of the world discus-throwing rankings, then remained ahead of Alekna in Beijing.

The two-time Olympic champion had a long winning streak stopped at the 2007 World Championships. The 6-foot, 7-inch Lithuanian then fell short in his bid for a third consecutive Olympic gold in Beijing.

Finland’s Tero Pitkamaki was easily the world’s dominant javelin thrower in 2007. But he couldn't dominate in Beijing.

Ivan Tsikhan owns plenty of World Championship gold, but he fell short in Beijing - in more ways than one.

Denis Nizhegorodov set a world record in the 50-kilometer race walk in 2008, but couldn't cross the finish line first in Beijing.





Read more:
Medal Predictions

Top American Distance Runners

Top American Sprinters and Hurdlers

Top American Jumpers

Top American Throwers

Top American Multi-Sport Contenders

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