Olympics 2008 Beijing Sunshine Coast Olympians

The do-or-die nature of the Olympic Games is what makes them such compelling viewing.

When you’re a footballer, there’s always next week to atone for poor performance.

But at Beijing, a split second or a couple of millimetres could be the difference between gold and silver, making a final, or merely achieving a personal goal.

Fall short, and a four-year wait lies ahead for a second chance.

These seven athletes are the Sunshine Coast locals who will attempt to make all that training worthwhile over the next fortnight.