Previewing the Gay Games in Cologne

Ross Forman of Chicago's Windy City Times (a Gay Games media sponsor) has written a Gay Games Cologne preview. Ross will be reporting for WCT in Cologne.

Hector Torres has a simple goal for Gay Games VIII in Cologne, Germany: finish among the top three in all of the sports that he participates in.

Well, he also has another goal: to have fun.

Torres, 32, has a loaded schedule—on the competitive side of his international journey, that is. He is participating in the Olympic triathlon, the 10K run, the 5K run, the 26.2-mile marathon and three cycling events ( criterium, mountain bike and time trial ) .

"I am extremely excited [ for ] the Games," said Torres, who lives in Orlando, Fla., and only ran the marathon at the 2006 Games in Chicago. "This time around, I feel stronger, fearless and driven. I have been training smart and hard for the past couple of years. I am confident enough within myself that I will have a great performance."

Torres is the head coach for Tri Peak Athlete, LLC and the Central Florida YMCA. He is one of about 9,600 registered participants from around the world heading to the quadrennial sports and cultural extravaganza ( July 31-Aug. 7 ) that is making its debut in Germany. Past Games have been held in San Francisco ( twice ) , including the first ever, in 1982, as well as Sydney, Vancouver, New York City and Amsterdam.

About 2,500 U.S. residents will join Torres in Cologne.

Read the full preview HERE.