And we're yet to see in action local stars like BMX champ Sarah Walker and paddler Lisa Carrington.
We'd love to see homegrown competitors standing on the podium as our flag flies and our anthem plays, and while we'd be delighted to share their pride and jubilation, we'd also share their heartbreak should they fall short.
After a loss it's probably of little comfort to professional athletes to point out the huge achievement of being able to take on the world's best at the ultimate gathering of nations. The reason most of them is there is their desire and ability to win in their chosen discipline.
But in hindsight, when the pain has abated, imagine being able to tell your children and grandchildren you represented your country at the Olympics, medal or not.
Meanwhile, back home, a bunch of men clad in black, red and yellow get set to make their thousands of loyal fans proud by taking the Super Rugby title for the first time.
Being a Chiefs fan over the years has been a rollercoaster ride, as most of you know.
For the first eight seasons they failed to make the semifinals of the Super 12, never finishing above 6th.
They made the semis in 2004 (the same year the Steamers made the NPC semis and won the Ranfurly Shield) and the final of the Super 14 in 2009.
This year their time has truly come, as they get set to replicate the success of fellow Waikato/Bay reps the Magic netball side.
The whole country should be backing our boys against the Sharks in the final at Waikato Stadium, as we've done for their teams over the years.
Tonight the Chiefs will make history.
