Since childhood, Roman Cress of Minneapolis has fantasized about being an Olympian. Finally, the runner will get his chance in August at the Beijing Games.  He will join the five-member team representing the land of his birth, the Marshall Islands, in the nation's first Olympic Games. Unfortunately, because of years of delays in approving the Pacific nation's application, Cress will compete at age 30, well past his athletic prime. 

By Pat Borzi

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

With his speed and aggressiveness, Carlos Gomez has the ability to change a ballgame. But after five years in the pros, he's still considered "raw" by major league standards. In his first eight games, his flashy style has excited Twins fans and occasionally exasperated more than one baseball veteran. He's got a lot to learn but seems willing to give it a go.

By Pat Borzi | Wednesday, March 26, 2008

TEMPE, ARIZ. — After nine seasons, Torii Hunter left his teammates and loyal Minnesota fans late last year for the green pastures — and "greener" contract — in California. He's had a strong spring and, by all accounts, fits in well with the Los Angeles Angels. Secure now with a $90 million, five-year deal, he still can't help but wonder what kind of reaction he'll get Monday, when he returns to the familiar Metrodome confines of center field.

By Jay Weiner | Monday, March 17, 2008

Everyone expected China's human rights record and global policies to be in the spotlight and under the microscope as the Beijing Games approach. But few thought the protests and pressure would grab headlines so early. China's treatment of Tibet, however, already is reverberating around the world, touching off protests, and Minnesota's sizable Tibetan community is joining in.

By Pat Borzi | Tuesday, March 11, 2008

The Twins may be eager to abandon the Metrodome, but area colleges aren't. The 26-year-old facility is a godsend to many schools that now schedule games at all hours. Without the Dome, they would be scrambling to complete their short seasons without having to book more warm-weather travel or making students miss scheduled classes.

Back from wipeouts and injuries, the former Minnesotan is competing with renewed energy in her quest to be the first U.S. woman since 1983 to win skiing's World Cup. With a month to go, she leads the world in downhill skiing and the combined event, which add slalom races to the mix.

By Jay Weiner | Monday, Feb. 11, 2008

Despite myriad reasons that a boycott would seem a no-brainer, hardly anyone wants that to happen. China, of course, wants the Games to come off without a hitch. But even those who oppose the nation's human rights policies and political views would rather have time on the world stage to make their case to billions of viewers.

By Pat Borzi | Friday, Feb. 8, 2008

Danielle Frank, a freshman at the College of St. Benedict, has been a walking medical mystery, plagued since the eighth grade by a heart condition that would come and go. Tests couldn't pin down the cause of her racing heartbeat until an episode over Christmas break, when a heart specialist finally diagnosed the problem. And it's a relatively common condition that often isn't caught.

By Jay Weiner | Friday, Feb. 1, 2008

There's a lot more at play Sunday than the Patriots' quest for a perfect season. Beyond the basics of football and food, this year's Big Game resonates with issues as diverse as consumerism, ratings, faith, optimism and gambling. And oh yeah, a new Vikings stadium, too.

By Pat Borzi | Friday, Jan. 25, 2008

The Minnesota Whitecaps, a 4-year-old squad loaded with Olympic veterans and potential medalists, has always faced financial challenges staying afloat. Now, it faces uncertainly from an unexpected source — hockey's national governing board. The result, some worry, could be a pre-Olympic raid of its best players by those who should be team allies.