Track these stories: U.S. fields its strongest team in years

let's face it, for some of us the Olympic Games are still a track meet with a lot of sideshows and interlopers cutting in on the act. This year's Olympic track competition, which will feature one of the strongest American teams in years, has more storylines than a Larry McMurtry novel.

Here are some stories to follow:

ONE BILLION CHINESE DO CARE — Every Olympics has one — an athlete from the host country who produces an inspired, victorious performance for the delirious home crowd. In 1992 at Barcelona, it was Fermin Cacho delivering a surprise in the 1,500. In 1996 at Atlanta, it was Michael Johnson in the long sprints. In 2000 at Sydney, it was Cathy Freeman in the 400. In 2004 at Athens, it was Fani Halkia in the 400 hurdles.

In Beijing, it will be hurdler Liu Xiang, the defending Olympic champion and hope of a nation. Win or lose, with Liu, one billion Chinese do care. They have rarely had anyone to cheer on the Olympic track until Liu. When he set the world record two years ago, it warranted a 20-minute report on the news. He is an icon, China's Michael Jordan. As fate would have it, though, he's not at the top of his game for the Beijing Games. An injured hamstring has hampered his progress this season. Meanwhile, Cuba's Dayron Robles broke Liu's world record, running 12.87, and has been untouchable this season. Americans David Oliver and Terrance Trammel also have run under 13.0 this season. Meanwhile, Liu withdrew from one race and false-started out of another race — so much for his pre-Olympic races. His best time this year is 13.18 in a time trial.