Olympics 2012

Copyrighted Image The Open University Podium Image Sgame - Dreamstime.com Play Olympisize Me Copyrighted Image The Open University Watch Olympian inspiration Meet Ancient Olympians

As we count down to London 2012, give yourself a special insight into the world's most exciting sporting event with The Open University's collection of exciting interactives, academic insights and lots of free opportunities to take your learning even further in the world of sport.

Copyrighted Image London 2012 / Getty A computer-generated image of one of the London Olympics stadia

Then take your learning further with The Open University's range of sport courses.

If you want to share your views on the sports, the history of the Olympics or anything 2012-related, please join in down in the comments section.

What sort of Olympian would you be?

What does it take to be a top Olympian or Paralympian? Our game will let you discover your perfect sport - and then enter our virtual games. Try Olympisize Me.

The first Olympics

Explore the Ancient Olympics and compare it with the modern games with this free unit, The Ancient Olympics: Bridging past and present. Using course materials, maps, timeline and quotes, this free taster will give you the chance to assess the ethical, philosophical and cultural importance of the ancient Olympics to the Ancient Greek World and understand the dual role of Olympia.

• For more free tasters, try Exploring sport online: Athletes and efficient hearts and The science behind wheeled sports.

Olympic Short videos

Our sports academics and Olympic gold medallist rower Sir Matthew Pinsent give their insights into the role of families, coaches and team dynamics in creating a top Olympian.

Athletes such as Usain Bolt and the GB basketball and rowing teams are also interviewed, offering real-life case studies of how their families, friends, team-mates and coaches help them reach the top on their sport.Watch the Olympic shorts

What else do our academics say?

What sport courses do we offer?