My favourites were the people without capes who couldn't fly and who weren't saving the world.

Hayley Lewis, Lisa Curry and Keiran Perkins topped the list when I was nine years old watching the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992.

Today, I still watch our Australian athletes in awe and I can see why they are considered heroes by so many.

I can't wait for the Games to begin this Friday in Beijing.

I always look forward to watching our country's finest athletes compete against the best the world has to offer.

I have fond memories of waking up in the middle of the night to watch our athletes compete in Barcelona, Atlanta and Athens.

I'll probably do the same again this year.

The Beijing Olympics will be even better because we have two athletes from Wollondilly competing.

Equestrian rider Shane Rose and 400-metre runner Clinton Hill will represent their country (and Wollondilly) in Beijing.

Having Olympic athletes live so close to home is a reminder that even though they are heroes, our Olympians are still human beings. Shane and Clinton are like most athletes who have accomplished great things by dedicating their lives to their sport.

We have so many young athletes in Wollondilly who could one day be representing our shire and Australia at an international level.

When I used to swim, that was the ultimate dream.

I always hoped that eventually all of those training laps would pay off and that I'd make it to the Olympics.

I think that's why I'm so proud of our Aussie athletes.

I know how hard it is to make it to the top and how much of your life you need to sacrifice to get there.

It takes a lot of guts, determination and commitment to be the best in the world, which is why Wollondilly will be cheering on its local heroes at the games.

Superman was born with his super powers.

Shane and Clinton have worked to get there.

mfenech@fairfaxmedia.com.au