Ever since Beijing was awarded the Olympics in 2001, China has prepared for these Games with one goal in mind: to demonstrate to the world what a great country it has become.

You get the impression they want to convince the world that their much-criticized political system is superior to the rest of the systems in the world. Like Hitler and Germany in 1936, they want to make a statement to the rest of the world. The opening ceremonies were the best in history, however, since then it has been the Michael Phelps show.

First, he smashes the world record in his most difficult race (the 400 individual medley) and then sets an American record as the lead-off swimmer in the 4x100 freestyle relay as the US come from behind to upset France. It was one of the most exciting races in Olympic history and it brought Phelps and his teammates (particularly anchor swimmer Jason Lezak) to center stage.

Phelps is trying to win eight gold medals in a single Olympics and break Mark Spitz's record of seven. He now has eight golds lifetime and if (read, when) he wins two more, he will have the most individual Olympic gold medals  in history. No matter how well China does or how well the Olympics are run, Phelps - like Jesse Owens in 1936 - will be the attention-getting story of the 2008 Games. And, given China's abysmal human-rights record, maybe that is a good thing.

RANDOM THOUGHTS: Perhaps Phelps and not Tiger Woods is the world's most dominate athlete. ... unfortunately, my prediction came true and Brett Favre was traded to the Jets. It may not be better for Packers' chances this year; however, it is better for the Packers in the long run since Aaron Rogers has to start getting experience if he going to lead the young, talented Packers to the Super Bowl in the next half dozen years. ... The US men's basketball team looked like a team against China and they were well-behaved - both good signs.

PREDICTION: Katie Hoff will win a gold medal in her next individual event.