Olympics Preview: Massachusetts Olympians

In case you've been hiding under a rock, or maybe misguidedly training for the Olympics (missed your chance for this year, sorry), the Beijing Olympics start on Friday. Several current and former Bay Staters will be suiting up for a chance to win international acclaim for their athletic feats. Being a city by the bay, we're rather heavy on swimmers, rowers, and sailers. Here's a quick list of folks born or living in Massachusetts who'll be competing at the Olympic level. Check the schedule for details on what sport happens when. For more information about the athletes, click their linked bios, or visit Boston.About.com or WBZTV.

Kelly Doton, Greenfield, Field Hockey

Shalene Flanagan, Marblehead, 5000 and 10,000 meters

Michelle Guerette, Cambridge resident and Harvard alum, Rowing

Ivana Hong, Worcester, Gymnastics

Kate Hooven, Newton, Synchronized Swimming

Elliot Hovey, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rowing

Carrie Howe, Boston College alum, Sailing

Butch Johnson, Worcester, Archery

Deena Kastor, Waltham, marathon

Corrie Lothrop (alternate), Middleton, Gymnastics

Kate Markgraf, Boston, Soccer

Mary McConneloug, Chilmark, Mountain Biking

Stu McNay, Boston born, Lincoln resident, Sailing

Tim Morehouse, Brandeis alum, Fencing

Karen O'Connor, Bolton, Equestrian

Wes Piermarini, West Brookfield, UMass alum, Rowing

Dina Rizzo, Walpole, Field Hockey

Alicia Sacramone, Winchester, Gymnastics

Keith Sanderson, Plymouth, Shooting

Stephen Scherer, Billerica, Shooting

Jarrod Shoemaker, Sudbury, Triathlon

Erik Vendt, Wellesley, Swimming

Tim Wadlow, Beverly resident, Boston University alum, Sailing