Rising Stars.

AT THE 2000 GAMES IN SYDNEY, YOUNG ATHLETES ARE EXPECTED TO DOMINATE MANY SPORTS

Teenagers make headlines every four years at the Olympic Games, because they tend to be young people's contests. The festivities in Sydney this year should be no exception, although some of the events, such as women's gymnastics, may be less teen-dominated than before. (Russian Svetlana Khorkina, who starred in this year's European championships, is 21.)

Nevertheless, a number of teenagers are expected to be among the top challengers for gold medals. Unless something unexpected, such as an injury, keeps them from competing in Australia, these athletes will be contenders:

DAMARCUS BEASLEY, 18 and a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, became the youngest player to sign a major-league soccer contract last year, when he joined the Chicago Fire. In September, he'll be part of Team USA's push for the gold.

Australian swimmer IAN THORPE, 17, set three world records in three days last May. His specialty is the freestyle at 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, and in two relays.

American boxer BRIAN VILORIA, 19, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, won a world flyweight title last year. Teammates have nicknamed him "Hawaiian Punch."

Russian gymnast YELENA ZAMOLODCHIKOVA, 18, broke through at the European championships in June, finishing second in the vault.

American fencer IRIS ZIMMERMANN, 19, a student at Stanford University, became at only 14 the first U.S. competitor in her event ever to win a world championship.