World championships and other international events such as the Commonwealth Games are always watched with interest and carry plenty of prestige.

But nothing compares to the Olympics.

A world record or a world title simply don’t carry the prestige of an Olympic medal — particularly an Olympic gold medal.

Tomorrow night the Games kick off with what promises to be a spectacular opening ceremony in Beijing.

Australians will be glued to their television screens for the coming fortnight as they follow the fortunes of our athletes in sports most wouldn’t normally give any consideration in normal times.

Among those Australia athletes will be seven who have their roots in the Border and North East.

To them we firstly say congratulations for their selection in our national team.

And we want them to know we are with them and know they will do us proud.