South Korea Gets 2018 Olympics

Broadcaster pays $4.38B for rights to 4 Olympics

(NEWSER) - NBC Universal has outbid rivals to win the US rights to broadcast the four Olympics after London 2012. The Comcast company's $4.38 billion bid included $2 billion to broadcast the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and the 2016 summer Games in Rio de Janiero. Rival bidder Fox offered only $3.4 billion, while ESPN offered $1.4 billion for 2012 and 2014, insiders tell the Wall Street Journal . More»

People assume Norwegians 'born on skis,' have it easy

(NEWSER) - The country that has won the third-most 2010 Olympic medals so far at 17—and the second highest number of golds—is one you probably haven’t given much thought to. But not only does Norway lay claim to these stats, it also has more Winter Games medals than any other nation, recently became the first country to win 100 golds, oh, and it has 300 medals overall—besting second place US by dozens, reports the Wall Street Journal . More»

19-year-old is country's highest-paid athlete

(NEWSER) - In many ways, Kim Yu-na is a victim of her own success. Through hard work, she has risen to become a champion figure skater—a feat made all the more impressive considering her native South Korea has no strong history in the sport. The 19-year-old is the country's highest-paid athlete and a national hero, a status that confers a considerable amount of pressure in a country that tends to nationalize individual success and failure. More»

From the fake mustache to the faux denim leggings

(NEWSER) - Gawker uncovers a disturbing fashion trend at the Winter Olympics: hipster clothes. Maureen O'Connor unveils the “leggings-esque faux denim, a surfeit of plaid, and the world's most ironic mustache.” Take a tour in the gallery. More»

Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller aren't the only attractive athletes

(NEWSER) - Sure, the thrill of competition is one reason to watch the Olympics—extremely attractive athletes is another reason. Eiseley Tauginas lists 25 of the hottest on BlackBook :

1. Lacy Schnoor: This "sexpot" American freestyle skier was featured "rather provocatively" in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue.
2. Chris Drury: Captain of the New York Rangers, he’s playing hockey for the US and "has that All-American tough guy look, just like Emilio Estevez in The Mighty Ducks."
3. Miki Ando: Though she’s “all sweetness and smiles to her public, she’s ruthless and determined in training."
4. Tina Maze: The "Brunette beauty" and Slovenian Alpine skier “is never without a seductive smile on her face and a Milka beanie on top."