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Quest for greatness nurtured by many
With all the popular tales swirling around Jake Deitchler, the young wrestler almost seems like a mythical figure, a modern-day mash-up of Paul Bunyan and Hercules with a slingshot in his pocket for good measure. He won the U.S. Olympic trials with a move he had just learned! Heavyweight teammates feared him! In a single month, he viewed an entire locker full of wrestling videos!
What sounds like breathless hype is actually true. Deitchler, 18, has been called a gem, a superfreak and a prodigy by his coaches. Since he beat Olympic medal favorite Harry Lester at the trials on his way to becoming the youngest member of the U.S. Greco-Roman team since 1976, the legend of the three-time state champ from Anoka has become a national story.
About the only thing that hasn't grown is Deitchler's ego. Though he will wrestle at the Beijing Olympics next Wednesday, he remains a friendly kid from Ramsey who likes to laugh, enjoys teaching younger athletes and once bleached his hair blond for fun, only to dye it black immediately after coach Brandon Paulson scolded him.
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Women's basketball
Team USA on defensive in China
Lynx star Seimone Augustus is happy to set her offense aside for a role with the three-time defending Olympic gold medalists.
Photo right: Seimone Augustus
Winning isn't everything -- but it's not bad
Kara Goucher, who grew up in Duluth, had plenty of opportunity for unbridled celebration after landing spots in two Olympic track events.
Photo right: Kara Goucher
More from this series:
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Click here for results, schedules, medal standings and more
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More Beijing coverage on our Olympics page
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Olympian Ali Bernard to wrestle Saturday
Ali Bernard talks about wrestling and making the Olympic team. -
Anoka's Deitchler prepares to take Olympic mat
Anoka HIgh School graduate Jake Deitchler will compete in Beijing as the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling team. -
A steady rise gives Branagh her day in sun
The California native overcame early struggles, finding a winning beach volleyball formula with partner Elaine Youngs. -
'It's definitely worth the fight'
From an early age, wrestler Ali Bernard battled her opponents and a culture that didn't understand her. -
U's Berg added to a U.S. volleyball team that's among contenders
The former Gophers star also played for the Americans in Athens. -
World of rowing discovers Minnesota
As the sport looks far beyond its East Coast roots for athletes, two Minnesotans happily climb aboard the tradition-rich men's eight boat. Summary. -
A leap of faith carries Marks to the Olympics
The former Apple Valley and Gophers standout will compete in the triple jump. "It's been crazy, way better than I imagined," Shani Marks said. -
Four Gophers competing for other countries
Three are in track, the other is a swimmer. -
Gymnasts to watch -- and more
The U.S. men's team will have to overcome the loss of reigning Olympic all-around champion Paul Hamm. -
Trip to Hong Kong started with a few barnyard hurdles
During the cross-country portion of the three-day event, horses and their riders jump a wide variety of obstacles. No wonder Becky Holder was smitten. -
Baseball, softball facts and highlights
Baseball and softball are both knocked out of the box from international competition after the Beijing Games. Officials are working hard to get the sports sanctioned again. -
Beyond the medals
The world's eye turns toward Beijing in two days, but we know the actual competition will take up only so much of the spotlight. Here are some of the other headlines that will be written during the Olympics. -
Track and Field stories to watch
China's 110-meter hurdler, Liu Xiang, is being counted upon by the host country to match his surprising gold medal performance in 2004 with another in Beijing. -
Swimming is more than Michael Phelps
The finals will be held in Beijing during the morning so they can be prime-time TV in the United States.
