ARCHIVE:
Five-ring Circus
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The London Olympics Sap-o-Meter
Was this the sappiest Olympics ever? Did mom out-sap dream? The final results of our scientific study of NBC schmaltz.
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The London Olympics Sap-o-Meter
Where has all the schamltz gone? A slow night for sap fiends on NBC.
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That Was Amazing! Now What?
The U.S. women’s soccer team just won gold to cap off a thrilling Olympic run. But will Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, and Alex Morgan have a league to play in?
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The London Olympics Sap-o-Meter
Journeys on the track and dads on the beach on an overwhelmingly sweet night for NBC.
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The Penises of the Icelandic Handball Team
The sculpture they inspired and the controversy they touched off.
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The London Olympics Sap-o-Meter
Dreams crushed and dreams achieved as NBC’s sapologists zoom in on Lolo Jones and Aly Raisman
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The London Olympics Sap-o-Meter
NBC pours it on with a mom battling depression, the death of a beloved grandmother, and a thoughtful Grenadian.
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The London Olympics Sap-o-Meter
NBC dabs its eyes as it says goodbye to Michael Phelps. Plus: Kerri Strug makes a dramatic, sappy return.
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Bolt Is Back
Watch the world’s fastest man blow away the field in Slate’s interactive, stick-figure re-enactment of the men’s 100-meter dash.
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Michael Phelps' Last Lap
The greatest swimmer ever shows the world and Ryan Lochte that the hardest worker doesn't always come in first.
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Watch the Women’s 100-Meter Final
Slate’s interactive, stick-figure re-enactment of track and field’s showcase event.
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When Sprinters Wore Baggy Shorts
A look back at Olympic sprinters’ uniforms before they became tight and shiny.
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The London Olympics Sap-o-Meter
A champion rower with a heavy heart and Gabby Douglas’ big win send the sap soaring.
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Is There a Future for Women’s Boxing?
The sport will make a huge splash in its Olympic debut, but where will the stars of the London Games go from there?
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Is It OK To Love Gymnastics?
Pondering the sport’s allure and darkness on the night of Gabby Douglas’ fantastic win in the women’s all-around.
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In Defense of Dressage
It's incredibly time-consuming and expensive. It's also the most fulfilling thing I've ever done.
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The London Olympics Sap-o-Meter
Dreams from Danell Leyva’s father on a record-setting night of sap in London.
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The London Olympics Sap-o-Meter
Everyone (except Kyla Ross) cries about U.S. women’s gymnastics gold. Plus: Tim Daggett earns his second straight sappiest line of the day.
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Shuttlecock and Bull
Eight badminton players have been disqualified from the Olympics for tanking. Why were they trying to lose, and why is the sport so dirty?
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Unreasonable Doubt
There’s no evidence that Chinese swimming sensation Ye Shiwen is doping. So why is everyone insinuating she’s a cheat?
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Absolutely Fabulous
The pure joy of watching the Fab Five, America’s greatest women’s gymnastics team.
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The London Olympics Sap-o-Meter
NBC sheds tears and beams with pride at the pool. Plus: Tim Daggett unleashes the sappiest line yet in the Olympics.
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Down With the Perfect 10!
A mathematician explains the genius of the new gymnastics scoring system.
