"Some people dream of becoming millionaires, others of buying a fantastic car - for as long as I can remember, mine was to become an Olympian." - Ryan Gambin

Six Maltese athletes saw their highest aspirations become a reality when the 2008 Olympic Games kicked off yesterday afternoon with a show that took people's breath away.

The six youths, representing Malta in the Games of the 29th Olympiad, walked proudly behind the fluttering Maltese flag, held by 22-year-old judoka Marcon Bezzina.

"Taking part in the Olympics is surely the dream of every athlete," the second-time Olympian told The Times by telephone shortly before the ceremony got under way.

Her feeling was echoed by swimmer Ryan Gambin. "Some people dream of becoming millionaires, others of buying a fantastic car - for as long as I can remember mine was to become an Olympian."

The 23-year-old, who will take part in the 100-metre butterfly race on Thursday, said there were no words to describe the atmosphere in Beijing's Olympic village. "There is so much to take in. Everything is terrific. The experience is indescribable," he said.

Neither did 21-year-old sprinter Charlene Attard find the words to describe the "fantastic" atmosphere in Beijing, although she admitted that the smog was much worse than in Malta.

"I have not seen any of Beijing because all I have done in the past days is train. But the atmo-sphere in the Olympic village is something else," she said, adding that one of the highlights was spotting famous sportsmen, including tennis champion Rafael Nadal.

Although she has taken part in international sporting events in the past, Charlene admitted that nothing compared with the Olympics. "It's the pinnacle for athletes."

The team's youngest member, swimmer Madeline Scerri, will be celebrating her 19th birthday on Monday - two days before her big day. "I can't wait to compete," the first-time Olympic participant said.

She also sounded unfazed by the "very hot and humid" weather.

Of the six local athletes, Madeline was the least affected by jet lag, having travelled through only two time zones.

Her father is Malta-born and she lives in Melbourne.

For the others, getting used to the time difference was a task which they managed to overcome before giving their all to perfecting their moves.

Shooter William Chetcuti described how he was unable to sleep well in the first few days.

This is the 23-year-old's second stint at the Olympics, having represented Malta in Athens four years ago.

Although she admitted to still feeling jetlagged, Charlene felt she was doing pretty well in her training.

So did Marcon, who described how she had managed to control her weight. "I am feeling very good."

The sixth athlete in the Maltese contingent is sprinter Nicolai Portelli, who will be competing on August 18.

Anticipation of the Olympics has been marred for some by threats of terrorist attacks. Asked about this, the Maltese athletes said they felt safe, with security in the village even described as too stringent.

"Security is very tight, sometimes frustratingly so," Ryan said.

Chef de Mission Julian Pace Bonello said there had been times when they had to go through two checkpoints to get into the same venue.

The head of mission continued that although they are not being adversely affected by the language barrier, it takes a lot of perseverance to be understood.

This is also a dream come true for Mr Pace Bonello the second time over, having already formed part of Team Malta.

"I have always followed the Olympics - the first time they were still in black and white. Leading my country in the Games has always been my dream."