Have you ever wondered what the Olympics would be like if cats were the only competitors? I surveyed some savvy neighborhood felines and these are the games they envisioned. I've noticed several of them practicing already, for events such as Compulsory Scratching, Figure Grooming, and Fence Vaulting. Here are some of the About Cats contenders for these events.

Water Rappelling Mr.Lightening, a real contender for the Gold in Water Rappelling

Hamster Hockey Rocky, immediately following a great save!

Mouse Toss Curie, jubilant after scoring an unprecedented 9.6 in the Mouse Toss event.

U.S. Mascot Pvt. Ryan, the U.S. Team Mascot.

Synchronized Stretching Kiah, practicing Synchronized Stretching White Cat Division

Flea Scramble Suki, a favorite in this event.

Freestyle Sleeping Bob, conserving his energy for this event

Compulsory Yawning Pasha is dangerously close to losing his amateur status in this event

There are, of course many other events in the Olympics that cats wouldn't dream of participating in, such as Diving, for one (unless it's Blanket Diving), but I hope you've enjoyed my imaginary Cat Olympics.

For the full scoop on the "real" 2004 Summer Olympics, visit these pages:

• About Coverage
• U.S. Olympic Team Site
• Official Site of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games
• NBC Coverage of the Summer Olympics