Sailors from 62 nations have achieved the ultimate goal of any athlete: participating in the Olympic Games. The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) has released the entry lists detailing the athletes who will compete in the 11 events of the Olympic Sailing Competition from 9 to 21 August 2008, in the city of Qingdao on the southern coastline of the Shandong Peninsula. (Document to be downloaded from the ISAF website ). From multiple medallists to new faces Among the 400 competing sailors, multiple medallists will return to defend the titles they won four years ago in Athens , including four of the gold medal-winning teams. At the same in Qingdao, new faces will strive to give their utmost and make a name for themselves within the Olympic sailing family. Thus, for example, sailors from Luxembourg and the United Arab Emirates will be competing for the first time in Olympic sailing events. A long regatta before achieving the Olympic dream For any athlete, to take part in the Olympic Games is the culmination of four years or more of dedication to pursuing a sporting dream. Over 2,500 sailors competed at 10 qualification regattas across Europe, Oceania and North America to secure their nation a place at the Games, before battling against their national rivals for selection to their National Olympic Committee team. Amongst the sailors who have achieved the first part of their Olympic dream are 14 athletes supported by the Olympic So ...
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