In about 24 hours, I'll board my flight at Newark Liberty Airport (Central Jersey living gets me away from the mess that is Philly International) and head for Beijing, site of the Olympic Games. It's been a lifelong dream to attend the Olympics, and to get the chance to cover the event is going to be unreal.

Aside from filing a handful of columns from China, I'll be following the exploits of Haverford High graduate Brendan Hansen, who will race for gold medals in the 100 breaststroke and as a member of the United States' 400 medley relay. Four years ago, Hansen left the Athens Games with three medals and more hardware is expected.

Be sure to check in periodically during the week for updates from Beijing.