Should it be John Dane, a 58 year-old sailor from New Orleans?
Well, sailing fans, it was just not meant to be.
Star Class had a series of 10 races among a field of 16 boats.
Our man got off to a great start, clinging a narrow lead after three races. By end of the sixth race, however, his boat had fallen to 15th place.
The last four races went better, but the team failed to make the 10-boat medal race.
Final result: 11th place.
"Dane qualified for the U.S. sailing team in Beijing, after 40 years of unsuccessful attempts, first in 1968, at age 18, when he was No. 2 in a borrowed Dragon-class boat. He tried again in the Soling class in 1972, then in the Finn class in 1974 and the Star in 1984.
It finally worked when he teamed up with [son-in-law Austin] Sperry, now 30.
Dane flew from Qingdao, the sailing venue, to the Olympic opening ceremony a week ago in Beijing, 300 miles to the north.
"It was the thrill of a lifetime. I mean standing there in a tunnel, people chanting USA, the adrenalin pumping. It was just a moment to remember my whole life," said Dane.
From another article, reporting on the results:
"It’s not enjoyable, but it’s a great experience to be at the Olympics and I’m fortunate to be one of those few people who have been to the Olympics," he said. "I just wish I had done better for our country and the rest of the team."
Dane was America's oldest Olympian. Sperry is his son-in-law and was glad to help the 58-year-old fulfill a lifelong dream to make the Olympics.
"I take pride in that. I helped give the old guy something he’s always wanted," he said. "He’s been a savior for a lot of people [providing housing to his employees after Hurricane Katrina] so he deserves it."
Good on ya, John Dane.