We are always proud of our local Olympians, whether they bring home medals or not — simply to compete at this level of sport honors Hawai'i.

But this amazing year, surely it can be forgiven if we gloat a little as Hawai'i basks in the thrill of victory.

Of the 18 athletes with Hawai'i ties who have competed so far in the Beijing Olympics, 12 of them — two-thirds — will come home with Olympic medals.

Leading the pack is the "world's greatest athlete" — Bryan Clay, Castle High grad and winner of the decathlon.

Clay becomes Hawai'i's first individual gold medalist in decades. But in team sports, more medals — including possible golds — will be collected. Already, Kahuku grad Natasha Kai has won gold with U.S. women's soccer.

Competing for gold today are both the U.S. women's and men's volleyball teams — with five Hawai'i players between them — and the men's water polo team, including Punahou grad Brandon Brooks.

Four other Hawai'i athletes have won medals on teams representing the Netherlands and Australia.

That's plenty to cheer for. But there's even more.

Maui resident Beth Arnoult competes in wheelchair tennis in the Beijing Paralympic Games next month. And outside the Olympic arena, the Waipi'o Little League team (11-12 year olds) play for the prestigious U.S. championship today in Williamsport, Pa.

Let the thrills continue.