Greater Cincinnatians have much to cheer about tonight as they join millions of people tuning in to the opening ceremonies of the summer Olympic Games in Athens.

Twelve local Olympians are competing, including the captain of the heralded U.S. women's gymnastic team, Seven Hills School graduate Mohini Bhardwaj.

The stories of all of our Cincinnati Olympians are compelling. No one makes the Olympics without hard work, grit and perseverance. But some personal triumphs are greater than others.

Bhardwaj, for instance, was a long shot to even make the team, considered by some to be too old at age 25. She finished 12th at the U.S. championships and sixth at the Olympic trials, but an impressive showing at selection camp last month earned her a spot on the team. She overcame injuries and even sold raffle tickets to pay for her training before actress Pamela Anderson gave her $25,000. Anderson continues to support the team in Athens.

Ron Siler, one of two boxers from Cincinnati, came from hardscrabble beginnings. After giving birth to him, his mother joined the Army and gave Siler to his father, who became his boxing coach. Until January 2003, Siler was in a Dayton prison serving nine months on an assault conviction. On Tuesday he begins a quest for a gold medal in the flyweight division. Cincinnati also is represented in synchronized swimming, rowing and soccer, and we all should cheer for members of the home team.

But equally important is recognizing how the Olympics transcends sport. This is a time for peace and sportsmanship, in contrast to what's going on in many of the participating countries.

This year we have seen genocide in Sudan, civil war in Liberia and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including the war on terror. Yet every four years, athletes from those countries and every part of the globe overcome huge obstacles to compete. An example: On Thursday, Iraq's men's soccer team stunned Portugal, winning 3-2, marking the country's first Olympic appearance since 1988. Unprecedented security in Athens is a stark reminder of the times. The threat of terrorism is a reality that we've lived with since Sept. 11. But for the next two weeks, we can hope that the peace and goodwill of the games will be an example for the world.