(RNS) Gabrielle Douglas, who walked away with the gold at the London Olympics, talks about her prayer life, her love of matzo ball soup and overcoming homesickness to make it to the Olympics. By Adelle M. Banks.

(RNS) The Olympics began in ancient Greece as a festival to honor a single god, Zeus. But organizers of the games must now navigate myriad sacred fasts and holy days. By Chris Lisee.

JERUSALEM (RNS) Despite international pressure -- including support from both U.S. presidential candidates -- the International Olympic Committee has refused to include a moment of silence at Friday's opening ceremony to honor Israeli athletes killed by terrorists at the games 40 years ago. By Michele Chabin.