Seven years ago, Xiang, then aged 13, was taken into one of China's many Sports Technical Schools where children are offered the opportunity to bring fame and fortune to the mother country by winning on the international stage.

CNN: China takes the Olympic limelight

The number of great achievements to bring about fame have not increased -- what have increased are the "look at me" spectacles that have no other goal than to draw attention, he said.

CNN: How the 'fame motive' makes you want to be a star

S. agent named Jeff Novitzky, whose biggest claim to fame, before all this, was helping to bring down an extortionist California kickboxing instructor who brandished a samurai sword and called himself the Immortal Tiger.

NEWYORKER: King of Walks

Billions can bring power and fame and opportunities to contribute to the causes of humanity.

FORBES: 3 Things Billions Cannot Buy

When the Ancient Games were revived as the Modern Olympic Games in Athens 1896, local hero Spiridon Louis won the marathon -- as he should have -- to bring his country international recognition and fame.

CNN: China takes the Olympic limelight

What enabled the pop star to rise to fame initially will be the thing that can bring her back again.

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It's a story to warm the bones of Joseph Schumpeter (of "creative destruction" fame) and bring the old Austrian economist waltzing out of his grave.

FORBES: Coming soon -- cyber co-ops

Top track stars essentially work as independent contractors, seeking to balance their daily budget needs with the pursuit of gold medals and the fame and fortune they bring.

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