Lopez family big in taekwondo

BEIJING, July 25 (UPI) -- Taekwondo

Gold medals to be awarded: 8

Dates of competition: Aug. 20-23

The sport of taekwondo appears in the Olympics for the third time and although Asian countries have dominated, it has a surprisingly wide global base.

American Steven Lopez won his second gold medal in Athens and medals were also won by athletes from Mexico, Greece, Cuba, France, Venezuela and Egypt.

Although there are eight weight classes for both men and women in international competition, the sport's governing body had to adjust to just four weight classes as a condition for allowing taekwondo into the Games.

In addition, only two men and two women from one country are allowed to participate, even though there are four weight classes.

Lopez will be back in the Olympics this year, as will brother Mark and sister Diana -- both former world champions.