Rising Stars.

• Position: Young athletes in Australia 2000 - Brief Article

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...