By Oriana Schwindt

Olympic Innovation

Nothing spurs a brand's innovation like the promise of 4 billion TV viewers and potential gold-medal winners sporting your apparel and equipment in a host of publicity shots. The Summer Olympic Games take place in Beijing from Aug. 8-24, and sportswear companies are showing off the fruits of their considerable investments in material innovation. Here's a look at some of the products that will be competing for the limelight at the Games—and information on the consumer versions that will be available for somewhat less Olympian athletes.