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Meet the Athletes

London 2012 has its share of superstars, but many barely-known athletes have their own fascinating stories too. With medals at stake in 302 events, German athletes have their eyes on more than one.

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runners' legs — Image: Fotolia/Wong Hock Weng

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London 2012 is not only about superstars like Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt.

Sprinter Oscar Pistorius will become the first double amputee in the history of the Olympics, Saudi Arabia becomes the final national Olympic committee to send female athletes to the Olympics, Marathon runner Guor Marial, who was born in Sudan but fled violence against his family in the 1980s during civil war, will compete as an independent under the Olympic flag.

And there are many more athletes' surprising stories. Read about some of them here:

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Reports & Analysis

Going for gold

Tahmina Kohistani is the only female Afghan competing in this year's summer Olympics in London.

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Germany's Swimming Sweethearts Go for Gold

Swimmers Britta Steffen and Paul Biedermann both hope to win gold medals at the London Olympics.

Japan's oldest Olympian, Hiroshi Hoketsu, holding his horse Whisper, a 15-year old mare, at the Rossheide Stables in Aachen, Germany,

Japan's oldest Olympian, Hiroshi Hoketsu, holding his horse Whisper, a 15-year old mare, at the Rossheide Stables in Aachen, Germany,

Olympic events

Japanese dressage rider Hiroshi Hoketsu, at 71, is the oldest person to qualify for the Olympics.

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius positions himself on the starting blocks ahead of a Men's 400m final at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, 2011

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius positions himself on the starting blocks ahead of a Men's 400m final at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, 2011

Pistorius racing at Oylmpics

South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius, a double amputee, will compete at this summer's London Olympics. He is the first double amputee in the history of the game, and will look to redeem his country's poor 2008 showing.

Palestinian judoka Maher Abu Rmeileh pauses during a training session at a gym in Arab East Jerusalem June 20, 2012. When Abu Rmeileh makes his bow on the Olympic judo mat in London this month, he will become the first Palestinian to compete at a Games on merit. Picture taken June 20, 2012

Palestinian judoka Maher Abu Rmeileh pauses during a training session at a gym in Arab East Jerusalem June 20, 2012. When Abu Rmeileh makes his bow on the Olympic judo mat in London this month, he will become the first Palestinian to compete at a Games on merit. Picture taken June 20, 2012

Olympic Palestinian

For the first time, a Palestinian athlete has qualified for the Olympics Games.

German gymnast Fabian Hambüchen in June 2009.

German gymnast Fabian Hambüchen in June 2009.

Hambüchen seeks redemption in London

Before the last Olympic Games German gymnast Fabian Hambüchen was a hot favorite. But a disappointing performance in Beijing and a string of injuries nearly derailed his career. Now he's back, hoping for redemption.

Germany's Paul Biedermann gives a thumbs up after winning the 200 meter Freestyle final at the European Swimming Championships in Debrecen, Hungary, Wednesday, May 23, 2012.

Germany's Paul Biedermann gives a thumbs up after winning the 200 meter Freestyle final at the European Swimming Championships in Debrecen, Hungary, Wednesday, May 23, 2012.

Biedermann's back

After a disappointing Olympics in Beijing, Germany's Paul Biedermann hopes to have a better outing in London. The Olympian is one of Germany's most famous athletes, but must unseat his American rival to medal.

Britta Heidemann

Britta Heidemann

On the fence

For a German athlete, speaking fluent Chinese and excelling in fencing may seem like two completely unrelated abilities. But for Britta Heidemann, both have played a role in finding the current balance in her life.