If you are an Olympics fanatic, you have probably been joining the ranks of the millions of viewers across the world in watching the day to day drama unfolding in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. If not, it's never too late to get sucked in.

Due to the 12-hour time difference between Beijing and the East Coast, NBC has been forced to develop an alternate schedule for broadcasting the key races and events over the 17-day games. Many of the popular events, such as swimming and track and field, take place in the morning in China, allowing them to be broadcast live in primetime throughout the United States (albeit on the previous day with the time change).

For other events taking place later in the day, NBC has opted to show highlights before each night's primetime broadcast or to replay the entire event during off-hours. The network has also made use of its several affiliates, including USA and Universal, to provide a variety of viewing options. For a complete listing of schedules, visit NBC's website .
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The host country of the 29th Olympiad, China has drawn much international attention since 2001 as a result of their selection. Chinese athletes have geared much of their training toward winning events they have chased for years in an attempt to dethrone Olympic powerhouses the likes of the US, Russia, and Australia. The nation has also received some international criticism due to its history of media control. The government has been accused of censoring websites and other information relating to the games, prompting the International Olympic Committee to step in and work around the traditional blocks.

The Chinese have met or exceeded expectations from the moment the countdown facilitated by 2,008 synchronized drummers counted down the seconds until the official kickoff. The $100 million, four-hour production artistically and dramatically rang in what many Chinese have been awaiting for a century. From displays of cultural heritage to high-flying trapeze torch lighting, all were in awe at the spectacle that took place on 8/8/08, a day considered lucky by many Chinese.

Since the Opening Ceremony, the drama has not ended. Michael Phelps, perhaps the most talked about athlete of the games, posted world records time and time again while racking up eight gold medals, the only athlete ever to do so. The men's gymnastics team posted a surprising finish by winning the bronze medal in the Team Competition after losing reigning gold medalist Paul Hamm and his twin brother Morgan to injuries before the start of the games. In women's gymnastics, Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson finished with the gold and silver medals respectively, marking the third time an American woman has won the All-Around Competition and the first time Americans have finished first and second. On the sand, the juggernaut of Misty May-Treanor and Kerry Walsh aim to defend their Olympic Beach Volleyball title, a feat never before achieved. All eyes are on the "Redeem Team" in the basketball competition with hopes that the US can reestablish itself internationally after several dispiriting losses against foreign rivals.

The eyes of the world are locked on the overall medal count as well, with China hoping to use its home field advantage to edge out the US, a top medal contender.

Amidst the spiked balls, dolphin kicks, double back flips, and international rivalries, take a second to spot a member of the Wake Forest community participating in these Olympic Games. Whether you find the basketball superstar Chris Paul, an NCAA Champion field hockey player, or a member of the Paralympic rowing team, Wake Forest is scattered throughout the competitions. For a full listing of the nine members of the Wake Forest Community competing in Beijing, visit the Wake Forest Athletic page.

The games continue through August 24, so catch the rest of the record breaking, jaw-dropping moments of history in the making while they last.