Patrick Kane

Ex-Olympian to visit Porter County: Adam Goucher, co-author of "Running the Edge" will speak Friday

Runners are always looking for the next challenge. They want to run faster, farther, on more extreme terrain or in awful weather, if for no other reason than to simply say they did it and to have a story to tell.

Gabby Douglas a hit with high schoolers at Gary event

Peter Smith of Foundations of East Chicago and Natalie Hawkins, mother of gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas, look on as she shows off one of her gold medals as the Olympian visits the Indiana University Northwest campus.

Gabby Dougas a hit with high schoolers at Gary event

Gabrielle Douglas and her mother Natalie Hawkins listen to speakers at a luncheon as the Olympic gold medalist visits the Indiana University Northwest campus on Monday.

Gabby Dougas a hit with high schoolers at Gary event

Gabrielle Douglas has a laugh as Robert Brown, a Calumet High School senior and event MC, straightens his tie for a photo with the Olympic gold medalist.

Gary welcomes back Gabrielle Douglas

The city of Gary and her family welcomed the return of Olympic gymnastics champion Gabrielle Douglas and her mother Natalie Hawkins. Additional images by Associated Press.

Gabrielle Douglas a hit with high schoolers at Gary event

GARY | Olympic gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas greeted Gary high schoolers Monday with words of advice.

Teen fighting her way to 2016 Olympics

Fabiola Carrillo, of Villa Park, Ill., poses for a photo at the Xcellent Taekwondo Center in Dixmoor, Ill. Carrillo is one of the best taekwondo athletes around.

Teen fighting her way to 2016 Olympics

VILLA PARK, Ill. | Those family trips to work out at the old Bally's in Villa Park were anything but fun for Fabiola Carrillo, who'd inevitably be confined to the gym's day care area.

Teen fighting her way to 2016 Olympics

Fabiola Carrillo, of Villa Park, Ill., practices taekwondo at the Xcellent Taekwondo Center in Dixmoor, Ill. The Willowbrook High School sophomore’s dominant showings have taken her to taekwondo competitions in Canada and Mexico. She is working toward a spot on the Olympic team for 2016.

If Olympians can sing anthem, why can't Obama?

It is exciting to watch the Olympics and see our contestants compete. If they are good enough to win first place and earn a gold medal, it is thrilling to see them receive their medal, stand at attention, place their hand over their heart and mouth the words to the National Anthem.

The Olympics: Always a reason for hope

Although there are things I would change, especially in the TV coverage, the Olympics are cool.

Doom and gloom: Olympic wins trump critics

LONDON | For skeptics, the Olympics were deliciously doomed: London's transport network would surely fail, Britain's athletes would flop, rain would prevail and terrorists would strike. But then the sun came out after months of sodden skies, vehicles moved briskly, there were no attacks and …

Team U uniforms should have been made in U.S.

Some may think this a moot subject, but some of us feel compelled to continue to express our sadness, disappointment, and yes, disdain regarding Ralph Lauren's unconscionable purchase of Team USA clothing from China for the Olympics, now going on in England.

GOP leader jumps on Olympic tax bandwagon

SPRINGFIELD | The top Republican in the Illinois House has jumped on board a GOP-led push to help Olympic athletes avoid paying taxes on their medals.

Crown Point man's granddaughter scores Olympics bronze

James Ponziano, of Crown Point, spent all day and night Monday watching for the match on NBC. But no luck.

Gymnast's family celebrates her gold

The family of gymnast Gabrielle Douglas, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, gathered in Gary to watch her historic victory in the all-around competition. Photos by Associated Press.

Ron Santo's work ethic should inspire athletes

As a sports enthusiast, I look forward to the 2012 Olympic games in London.

Friends and family gather to cheer on Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas.

Theodore Hawkins, right, chats with Levon Gale, left, and Hervey Burnett as friends and family gather at a bar in Gary to cheer on the Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas.

Friends and family gather to cheer on Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas.

GARY | Theodore Hawkins cheers for his granddaughter Gabby Douglas as friends and family gather at Joe Jackson's H & J's Sports Bar in Gary to cheer on the Olympic gymnast.