It might be the most famous foot race in the world... for the title of world's fastest human. A trio of athletes have emerged as potential winners of the men's 100 meter sprint for an Olympic gold medal. Usain Bolt, the little-known Jamaican who set the world record in late May in a time of 9.72 seconds, Asafa Powell, another native of Jamaica, the previous world record holder for 3 years running, and American Tyson Gay, the reigning 100m world champion. We sit down with all three.

One of China's most likely gold medal winners is Liu Xiang - the world record holder in the 110m hurdles, and reigning Olympic and World Champion - the first Chinese athlete to ever hold such a "triple crown". Richard Roth catches up with him atop the Empire State Building - to discuss his chances of reaching the top of the podium in Beijing.

Speaking of heights - Russia's Yelena Isinbayeva has been reaching them for nearly a decade. The planet's premier female pole vaulter has set the world record no less than 21 times - once betting her own record four times in a month. World Sport's Patrick Snell tells us why the Olympic and World champion would like to take gold again in Beijing.

"Soccer mom" has become a popular cultural and political term used to describe a large group of society who spend a significant amount of time transporting their children to and from activities such as soccer practice. But World Sport's Candy Reid, a mother herself, challenges that phrase - spending time with the U.S. Soccer team's Kate Markgraf and Christie Rampone, who will be chasing their third Olympic gold medal - but first as mothers.

CNN's Kyung Lah dives into the pool controversy - new high-tech swimsuits are shaving times off world records, but out of the water, causing quite a stir with competitors. Speedo may make the fastest suit, but can all athletes wear them?

Finally, free-lance journalist Tomas Etzler has among a handful of media selected to help document the Olympic torch's historic ascent to Mt. Everest - the highest point on earth. We'll have his first-hand account of the struggle, perseverance and ultimate success.

This month we chase the dream of Allyson Felix, who by most standards has already achieved more sporting success than most. But she's missing one thing she desperately wants: an Olympic gold medal. We circle the track with the two-time defending World 200m Champion, and Athens 2004 Silver medalist - and talk about her dreams for the Summer Games. Will she run both the 100m and 200m in Beijing? The 22-year-old American also tells us how she turned her high school nickname -- "Chicken Legs" -- into not only a source of strength but financial success as well.

Another runner, Mohammed "Mo" Farah, arrived in England as a Somalian refugee at age 10. The 25-year-old is now Britain's top 5,000m runner, who wants to be the world's best - even moving in with a houseful of fellow Olympic hopefuls who do little more than train, eat, rest, and train again. But what Mo does off the track is equally impressive - as an Ambassador for Right to Play, he uses the power of sport to help children affected by poverty, war and disease.

World Sport's Candy Reid joins us for a look at Olympic tennis - where hosts China hope to repeat the surprising women's double gold medal from Athens 2004. But who will represent them? Also, the incredible comeback story of American James Blake - who battled back from injury and family loss to once again become one of the world's top players. His fiery spirit alone makes him a Beijing medal contender. We'll even hear from the world number one Roger Federer - who's well on his way to being the greatest player of all-time - but desires an Olympic Gold Medal to complete his career resumè.

While the torch relay has brought with it a generous amount of controversy, we'll try to leave that behind as the "sacred flame" makes an historic ascent up Mount Everest. Freelance journalist Tomas Etzler is at base camp and delivers stunning pictures from a place few have ever journeyed. Will the flame reach the top, or will the weather be uncooperative?

CNN International joins the countdown to Beijing with a monthly show focused on all aspects of the coming 29th Olympic Games. Profiles of hopeful athletes, social and economic impact, timely news and onsite reporting will all feature prominently. The half-hour episodes will be hosted by Terry Baddoo and produced by staff at World Sport.

This month we chase the dream of Britta Heidemann, Germany's world champion fencer. As if her piercing looks weren't enough to match her weapon, Heidemann is two exams away from a degree in Chinese and Business Administration - an apt combination given her latest ambition - a gold medal in Beijing. We'll spend an entire busy day with the 25-year-old, as she manages her university, family and fencing life - all with a smile. Did we mention she also plays the electric organ and drives a hot red sports car?

Also, World Sport's Mark McKay will sit down with one of China's own sporting stars - NBA Rookie Yi Jianlian of the Milwaukee Bucks. While he shuns all comparisons to bona-fide basketball superstar Yao Ming and simply won't talk about Tibet, Yi shares his thoughts about the Chinese basketball team's Olympic ambitions and adapting to life in the USA, in his ever-improving English.

Beijing correspondent John Vause witnessed the opening of China's final Olympic venue to be completed - the Bird's Nest. As the signature piece in any Olympics, China's national stadium houses the opening and closing ceremonies, and all the athletics events.

Finally - the protests surrounding the Olympic Torch relay couldn't dampen the spirit of 9/11 fire fighter Richard Doran - he was given special permission to run 343 steps in San Francisco's leg of the tour in honor of the 343 firefighters lost on that tragic day.

This month we explore the Olympic games as political platform. Do athletes have right to protest? Also, the harrowing story of hopeful marathoner Gilbert Tuhabonye, who barely escaped mid-nineties ethnic violence in Burundi with his life - now he's still running. And all athletes will need to eat - John Vause reports from Beijing on the special farms being cultivated to nourish the world's elite competitors during the event.