The Shanghai stock exchange has been in freefall since the opening ceremony of the Olympics. The composite Index has fallen as much as 11% since August 8, and is now at its lowest level in 20 months. Read more.

French swimmer Laure Manaudou is, unwillingly, the most striking example of an athlete who failed to get results in these Games. But is it fair to judge our sport icons so hard when, after all, they are just men and women. Read more.

If the number 8 is a sign of prosperity and luck in the Chinese culture, it is also a synonym for happiness for Michael Phelps. The American swimmer, 23, could this year enter into legend by breaking the all-time record of 7 gold medals amassed by his compatriot, Mark Spitz, at the Munich games in 1972. Read more.