John Dane, the oldest sailor for the Beijing Olympic Games, will realise a 40-year dream when he competes in Qingdao next week.

The 58-year-old Dane from the United States will take part in the Star class with his son-in-law Austin Sperry at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center.

"This is it! It's the real thing. Austin and I have focused on this for 40 months, but it has taken me 40 years to get here," said Dane.

"It only started to sink in during our trip to San Jose when we were given our Olympic uniforms and our Olympic credentials. I am an Olympian," said he.

Dane is the oldest member of the U.S. Olympic team and the oldest sailor in the 2008 Olympic sailing competition.

Dane, Sperry and their coaches first visited Qingdao during the Olympic test event in August last year. This is their fourth visit.

"This has been the most focused Olympic effort that I have ever made. We had the time, money and talent on board to make it happen. The reward has been tremendous, but it takes a lot out of you. I knew that this would be my final effort. As for Austin, he has a lot more left in him," added Dane.

Dane is also accompanied in China by his wife Leslie, their seven children and a daughter-in-law. They will travel to Beijing for the Opening Ceremony on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2008)