6. Not All Imports from China Are Tainted
To up our odds—and add a bit of diplomatic drama—the U.S. poached some top-shelf talent from the host nation. Women's volleyball coach Jenny "the Iron Hammer" Lang Ping was a key player for the Chinese juggernaut that won five world titles and Olympic gold in the 1980s. The Chinese now call the U.S. squad "Jenny's team." And the top two U.S. Ping-Pong—yeah, we called it that—players, Gao Jun and Wang Chen, won an Olympic medal and world title, respectively, before leaving the homeland. Basketball star Yao Ming, however, has been recalled.

7. Women Peak Later
Leading up to the Games, the press was fawning over 41-year-old, four-time swimming gold medalist Dara Torres, who was aiming for her fifth Olympics. Huzzah. But how about 49-year-old French cyclist Jeannie Longo, who's been dominating her sport since the early 1980s?

8. We've Got Federer's (Lucky) Number
Tennis champ Roger Federer suffered early-round exits at the last two Olympics. But numerology suggests his fortune will turn. The Swiss ace's birthday is August 8, as in 8/8/08; the hard-court tournament lasts eight days; and eight is considered a lucky number in China.

9. The Cool Kids Have Moved Off-Campus
The Olympic Village is still going strong. But ever since the pros were allowed to compete, sponsors have been providing ever more luxe "safehouses." This year, Oakley rented Beijing's trendiest nightlife/dining/hotel complex, Block 8 (hey, Federer!), for its athletes and VIPs. After arriving in chauffeur-driven sedans, guests will be treated to plasma TVs, a turf game area with pool tables and a bocce court, the Ultra nightclub, and two of the city's best restaurants. The Beach, the sand-floored rooftop bar, will host the Games' best private parties.

10. Sixteen: The New Ten
We bid farewell to the "perfect 10" as gymnastics' high mark and welcome the less catchy "around 16." Authorities say this open-ended judging system will deliver fairer, less subjective scores. We say Nadia Comaneci still rules.