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

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

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.

FORBES: The Most Overexposed Celebrities

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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