To most people in the world, the Olympics are the premier sporting event. They give every nation an equal chance to win a medal and glory for their country. However, in recent years the once-pristine image of the Olympics has begun to fade.

Controversy has now become a common item at Olympic games. Topics range from steriods in champions to pollution in host cities.

In the Athens games in 2004, the world was in awe of Justin Gatlin's three medals, including a gold medal in the 100-meter dash.

But in 2006, Gatlin tested positive for a banned substance and agreed to an eight-year ban from track and field (later changed to four years). Since this happened after the Athens games, it isn't known if performance-enhancing drugs aided his Olympic performances.

This year's Beijing games will also have its problems. Many athletes are concerned with the air pollution in the Beijing area. In fact, some countries are so concerned with the pollution they are setting up off-site training camps in South Korea and Japan to allow their athletes to have minimal time in the polluted setting.

Olympics games have been a frequent place of protest, especially against the host countries. Many groups are planning to protest at the games because of China's actions with Tibet and Sudan. While no countries have yet committed to boycotting the games, it is always an option and it has happened before, such as when the United States and more than 60 other countries boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The Soviet Union and most of its allies returned the favor in 1984 when they refused to participate in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

While there are some things wrong with the Olympics, there are also many great things. I for one am hoping to see swimmer Michael Phelps break the record for most gold medals, which he tied at the last games with six.