Hey out there, loyal readers.  I just wanted to post this as a note introducing a new series we’re going to have running here on LBPOSTSports.com for the next month or so: Beijing-Bound Beachians, a column profiling and following local Long Beach athletes as they compete for Olympic gold in China.  It might surprise you to hear that there are so many of them we had to make this a recurring column, and believe me, it surprised us, too.  I originally planned to write a few paragraphs, post a TV schedule, and then wait to do a wrap-up until after the Olympics were over.

Then on our SportsNight radio show, we put out a call for people to let us know if we’d missed anyone.  Sure enough, a phone call, a few emails, and a conversation at Riley’s later, we realized what a huge presence the Beach would be having in Beijing.  Over the next few weeks, expect some profiles and a few interviews with these athletes, some of who came through Long Beach State, and others who graduated from local high schools.  On August 8th, we’ll post a TV schedule of when local athletes will be competing, to make sure you can catch all the action from your fellow Long Beachians.

Throughout the games, we’ll write and post updates about how everyone is doing, and also keep track of an ongoing Long Beach medal count.  Pretty cool, right?  Honestly, I didn’t need any more reasons to be excited about the 2008 Summer Games, but after a little digging, I found plenty.  Be sure to stay tuned, so you can get to know your athletes!

Also, I’m sure we’re still forgetting people, so if you don’t see someone you’re looking forward to following, please leave a comment or email me at [email protected]!  We want this to be as comprehensive a list as possible!