It’s no big secret that the Olympics are an expensive proposition for any host city — one that’s often unjustifiably pricey. Consider the 2008 Athens games, which cost the city $15 billion to put on (a splurge that’s grimly regrettable in light of recent events).

Somer Sherwood, xoJane.com

Opinions: people have them. And they especially have them On The Internet.

Throughout the 2012 summer games, the Emotions Police have been in full effect. First, U.S. gymnast Jordyn Wieber’s misty-eyed disappointment enjoyed near-obsessive coverage (and Slate delightfully skewered the absurd media scrutiny over her tears). In another instance, the Guardian declared that “weeping not winning has been the order of the day around the pool,” for some female swimmers.

It’s no wonder then that the Devil’s Gazette Daily Mail ran its own critical story on women’s beach volleyball players and their celebratory rituals today. And it was ugly.

Earlier this month, after weeks of back-and-forth negotiations, Saudi Arabia announced it would send two women to the Olympic Games. No, it was not Saudi officials’ choice. In the months leading up to the London 2012 games, the International Olympic Committee issued an ultimatum: Send women from your country to the games, or don’t send any athletes at all. It was some tough talk.

Our first instinct was to cheer — hey, it was only two women but at least it was something. But others weren’t so enthused. Saudi Arabia only sends two women to the Olympics, after what was tantamount to a threat from the IOC? Why are we celebrating? And in a way, the naysayers are right. But should we really label this victory a draw? It’s not quite that simple.

It apparently doesn’t matter anymore whether you’ve accomplished a lot over the years. To the Herald Sun, your appearance is a more important topic of discussion than your accolades.

It’s almost time to start watching the Olympics! But while we are all super excited at The Jane Dough to see all the athletes, there are several interesting and inspiring female athletes we’re especially thrilled to see. We definitely plan on following the successes of these impressive women and we hope you look out for them during the Olympics this year, too!

Answer: The richest one in the U.K., of course.

Lakshmi Mittal, whose net worth is at roughly $28.7 billion, according to Forbes, was given first dibs to 5,000 prime seats at the 2012 London Olympics, according to the Evening Standard. And, of course, he snapped them right up.