California Olympians: Meet The Golden State Olympic Athletes (PHOTOS)

July 26th, 2012

FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda

Go California!

The 2012 Olympic Games begin with Friday’s opening ceremony and saying California will be well-represented is an understatement.

The Golden State is sending the largest percentage of athletes — almost one-fourth of the entire USA contingent — to the 2012 Olympic Games, reports NBC. Our state, which lays claim to 128 Olympians this year, is also sending the complete badminton team, as well as 24 of the 26 water polo players.

On the California roster are Long Beach’s Misty May-Treanor, who ranks first in the nation for beach volleyball, as well as Landon Donovan, who has been called the second-greatest American soccer player of all time. Unfamiliar with these names? Soon you won’t be.

Check out our slideshow below to get up close and personal with some of California’s star Olympians, who vary from career firefighters to normal 16-year-olds. Whether they’re professing their love for journalism or avowing that they’ll always swim — these passionate Californians are sure to make you proud.

Be sure to visit the Team USA Olympics site for the complete list of California’s impressive 128 Olympians.

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Anthony Ervin

strongName: /stronga href=”http://www2.teamusa.org/Athletes/ER/Anthony-Ervin.aspx” target=”_hplink”Anthony Ervin/a
strongAge/strong: 31
strongHometown:/strong Valencia, CA
strongEvent:/strong Swimming
strongFun Fact/strong: Ervin auctioned off his 2000 Olympic gold medal to aid survivors of the 2004 tsunami.
stronga href=”http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/london/swimming/story/2012-06-27/anthony-ervin-no-regrets-olympic-trials/55868484/1″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On leaving and then returning to swimming: “I really didn’t think I’d be in this position again. So, in a lot of ways, I’m very much surprised at the vicissitudes of life.”
Landon Donovan

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/MNT/D/Landon-Donovan.aspx” target=”_hplink”Landon Donovan/a
strongAge/strong: 30
strongHometown/strong: Redlands
strongEvent/strong: Soccer
strongFun Fact/strong: His Manhattan Beach home was featured on MTV’s “Cribs” in 2006.
a href=”http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/grant_wahl/05/23/landon.donovan/index.html” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong/a: “My mindset now is I want to be successful, and I realize now that as I’m getting older I’m not going to be the guy who’s scoring goals every game or making a great impact all the time. I’m going to do it as much as I can in that way. But if I can be a part of the team and help lead it to successful times, then that’s what I want to do.”
Shannon Rowbury

strongName: /stronga href=”http://www2.teamusa.org/Athletes/RO/Shannon-Rowbury.aspx” target=”_hplink”Shannon Rowbury/a
strongAge/strong: 26
strongHometown:/strong San Francisco, CA
strongEvent:/strong Track Field: 1,500 m
stronga href=”http://www.shannonrowbury.com/” target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a/strong: Rowbury graduated magna cum laude from Duke, and loves Irish dancing.
stronga href=”http://www.garycohenrunning.com/Interviews/Rowbury.aspx” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On making the Olympic team: “To make the Olympic team is going to be very challenging and those who do so will have to be very fit, stay on their feet, get to the final and race well tactically. A faster race is good for me and I’ll always take a faster race when I can, but I am working on my speed to prepare myself for any situation. It will be a challenge, but for me I am glad I have all of these years under my belt – at the championship level, it isn’t just about fitness, but about mental toughness.”
Heather Petri (Left)

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usawaterpolo.org/NationalTeams/PlayerBio.aspx?ID=29 ” target=”_hplink”Heather Petri/a
strongAge/strong: 34
strongHometown/strong: Orinda
strongEvent/strong: Water polo
stronga href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBElRtq730E” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: In response to being told to play with the boys: “Yeah, right!”
strongFun Fact/strong: Petri played on the boys’ water polo team in high school, and helped start the girls’ team.
Jennifer Kessy

strongName/strong: Jennifer Kessy
strongAge/strong: 35
strongHometown/strong: San Juan Capistrano
strongEvent/strong: Volleyball
stronga href=”http://www.fivbheroes.com/2011/06/interview-with-jennifer-anne-kessy-at-the-myslowice-open-2011/” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “It’s my attitude and my perseverance that got me here.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Kessy graduated from USC with a degree in history.
Carlos Bocanegra

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/MNT/B/Carlos-Bocanegra.aspx” target=”_hplink”Carlos Bocanegra /a
strongAge/strong: 33
strongHometown/strong: Alta Loma
strongEvent/strong: Soccer
stronga href=”http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/exclusive-interview-carlos-bocanegra-rangers-well-travelled-defender-on-rabbie-burns-positivity-and-and-how-footb” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On moving to different countries for his career: “I ask myself: how do these people live? I want to learn about their culture, the way they think. I do not want to be fighting against the culture.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Bocanegra was named one of E! Entertainment Television’s ten sexiest sports stars.
McKayla Maroney

strongName/strong: McKayla Maroney
strongAge/strong: 16
strongHometown/strong: Long Beach
strongEvent/strong: Artistic gymnastics
strongQuotable Quote/strong: “My mom put me in gymnastics because i had so much energy and I was always running around, so she thought gymnastics might take away some of the insane amounts of energy.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Like most 16-year-olds, Maroney loves Drake, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry.
Steve Cherundolo (Left)

strongName/strong: Steve Cherundolo
strongAge/strong: 33
strongHometown/strong: San Diego
strongEvent/strong: Soccer
stronga href=”http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/in-germany-cherundolos-hannover-surprises/” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “As long as my legs will carry me, I love playing.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Cherundolo has spent time playing soccer in Germany, and now speaks fluent German.
Alex Morgan

strongName/strong: Alex Morgan
strongAge/strong: 23
strongHometown/strong: Diamond Bar
strongEvent/strong: Soccer
stronga href=”http://www.allwhitekit.com/?p=5469″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “My dad and I have always played card games and kept score so when he won, he would sort of taunt me. I think that’s part of where I got my competitive edge.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Her boyfriend, Servando Carrasco, plays soccer professionally with the Seattle Sounders.
Russell Westbrook

strongName/strong: Russell Westbrook
strongAge/strong: 24
strongHometown/strong: Long Beach
strongEvent/strong: Basketball
stronga href=”http://ballislife.com/russell-westbrook-interview-glasses-style-defining-a-point-guard/” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “My job is to be aggressive.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Westbrook is famous for wearing fake glasses; he owns about 25 pairs.
Amy Rodriguez

strongName/strong: Amy Rodriguez
strongAge/strong: 25
strongHometown/strong: Lake Forest
strongEvent/strong: Soccer
stronga href=”http://soccerreviews.com/news/soccer-reviews-amy-rodriguez-interview/” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “I never thought that I would one day be where I am. I worked really hard as a teenager and always loved playing soccer.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Rodriguez says that her favorite pet is her little sister.
Alexander Massialas

strongName/strong: a href=”http://usfencing.org/athletes/alexander-massialas” target=”_hplink”Alexander Massialas/a
strongAge/strong: 18
strongHometown/strong: San Francisco
strongEvent/strong: Fencing
stronga href=”http://www.sfexaminer.com/sports/2011/06/massialas-follows-steps-father-olympic-pursuit” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On the thrill of competition: “It’s impossible to explain how you focus, you just do; you just can’t freeze up in the moment. You train your whole life for those experiences.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Massialas speaks Chinese and his father is a three-time Olympian.
Chloe Sutton

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1453Alias=RainbowLang=enbiosid=35a480c5-26c9-4135-807a-084bb6394d06″ target=”_hplink”Chloe Sutton/a
strongAge/strong: 20
strongHometown/strong: Mission Viejo
strongEvent/strong: Swimming
stronga href=”http://doublegsports.com/2012/03/15/womens-history-month-chloe-sutton-swimming/” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “When I was six years old and I first joined a swim team, from the moment I dove in the pool, I knew that I was going to the Olympics when I was 16. I told boys that I couldn’t have a boyfriend until after I won my gold medal. Everybody knew me as the swimmer.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Sutton aspires to be a journalist.
Jimmy Watkins

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usacycling.org/jimmy-watkins.htm” target=”_hplink”Jimmy Watkins/a
strongAge/strong: 29
strongHometown/strong: Bakersfield
strongEvent/strong: Track cycling
stronga href=”http://www.trackcyclingnews.com/olympics12watkins.html” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On being named to the Olympic team: “It really hasn’t sunk in yet.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Watkins is a career firefighter.
Jessica Hardy

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.jessicahardy.net/” target=”_hplink”Jessica Hardy/a
strongAge/strong: 25
strongHometown/strong: Long Beach
strongEvent/strong: Swimming
stronga href=”http://www.jessicahardy.net/news/i-cant-believe-im-an-olympian-espnw-blog/” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: After winning the 100 freestyle in trials: “I absolutely couldn’t believe it. The 100 free is my weakest event and I swam my best time ever. At 25, I didn’t see that coming! I was honestly thinking, ‘Just place in the top six,’ so that I could have a relay spot on the team…To get first, no way! I was the one least likely to win. It was the night of my life.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Hardy is engaged to Swiss Olympian Dominik Meichtry.
Scott Weltz

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopModules/BioViewManaged.aspx?personid=01027a5b-2b59-47df-8f3b-b3e817ad7654TabId=1453Mid=10312″ target=”_hplink”Scott Weltz/a
strongAge/strong: 25
strongHometown/strong: San Jose
strongEvent/strong: Swimming
stronga href=”http://espn.go.com/olympics/summer/2012/swimming/story/_/id/8114055/scott-weltz-upsets-brendan-hansen-eric-shanteau-200-breast” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On his experience during the trials: “My whole body was kind of tingling and I was like, ‘I’m feeling it and something is different, this is the time.’ ”
stronga href=”http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/30/sports/olympics/scott-weltz-adds-to-upsets-at-olympic-swimming-trials.html” target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a/strong: Weltz surprised everyone at the Olympic trials, beating out medalists after having placed outside the top 35 in 2008.
Nathan Adrian

strongName:/strong a href=”http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1453Alias=RainbowLang=enbiosid=df1f8d94-c89f-4032-ba40-a4ad20818348″ target=”_hplink”Nathan Adrian/a
strongAge:/strong 23
strongResidence: /strongBerkeley, CA
strongEvent:/strong Swimming
a href=”http://www.nbcolympics.com/news-blogs/blog=the-medley/post/nathan-adrian-and-his-big-hips.html” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong/a: On taking dance lessons: “I’m not a hip wiggler. I do have big hips, but they’re not meant for wiggling.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Nathan is currently a pre-med student at the University of California, Berkeley.
Jason Lezak

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1453Alias=RainbowLang=enbiosid=614353d8-9dbd-4f8f-9766-0b90730d9ce7″ target=”_hplink”Jason Lezak/a
strongAge/strong: 37
strongHometown/strong: Irvine, CA
strongEvent:/strong Swimming
a href=”http://www.zimbio.com/Jason+Lezak/notes/1/Jason+Lezak+Quote” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong/a: After winning gold in the relay at the 2008 Olympics: “People always step up and do things out of the ordinary at the Olympics”.
strongFun Fact: /strong Jason Lezak was an All-American in water polo.
Carmelita Jeter

strongName:/stronga href=”http://carmelitajeter.com/bio” target=”_hplink” Carmelita Jeter/a
strongAge/strong: 32
strongHometown/strong: Torrance, CA
strongEvent/strong: Track Field
a href=”http://news.daylife.com/topic/Carmelita_Jeter?__site=daylife” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong/a: “I’m good at staying focused… I think I’ll be OK. I’m not even at London yet, but this definitely feels pretty good.”
strongFun Fact/strong: Jeter is the second-fastest woman in history, and is recognized as the fastest woman in the world.
Kerri Walsh

strongName/strong:a href=”http://www.kerriwalsh.com/profile/” target=”_hplink” Kerri Walsh/a
strongAge/strong: 34
strongHometown/strong: Santa Clara
strongEvent:/strong Beach Volleyball
a href=”http://www.volleyballadvisors.com/kerri-walsh-volleyball-quotes.html” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong/a: About her several endorsements and TV commercial appearances: “I wish we had action figures. Maybe next time”.
strongFun Fact/strong: In 2006, Kerri became the fourth American woman to surpass $1 million in career earnings.
Scott Gault

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usrowing.org/Pressbox/AthleteBios/ScottGault.aspx” target=”_hplink”Scott Gault/a
strongAge/strong: 29
strongHometown/strong: Piedmont, CA
strongEvent/strong: Rowing
strongFun Fact:/strong After rowing, Scott sees himself as a professional golfer.
Michelle Carter

strongName:/stronga href=”http://www.usatf.org/Athlete-Bios/Michelle-Carter.aspx” target=”_hplink” Michelle Carter/a
strongAge:/strong 27
strongBirthplace/strong: San Jose, CA
strongEvent:/strong Track FIeld
stronga href=”http://news.daylife.com/topic/Michelle_Carter?__site=daylife” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong:/a/strong “It was pretty rough today … The goal was to make the team and now we can focus on getting ready for London.”
strongFun Fact: /strong Her father played for the San Francisco 49ers
Natalie Coughlin

strongName/strong: a href=”http://nataliecoughlin.com/Bio” target=”_hplink”Natalie Coughlin/a
strongAge:/strong 30
strongHometown:/strong Vallejo, CA
strongEvent/strong: Swimming
stronga href=”http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/story/brendan-hansen-dara-torres-natalie-coughlin-stars-cant-amaze-us-anymore-122211″ target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong: /a/strongConcerning steroids in Olympic athletes: “The people who have cheated have ruined it for everybody. That is just the way it is.”
strongFun Fact: /strong Natalie has won a medal in every single Olympic event she’s ever entered.
Kristin Hedstrom

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usrowing.org/Pressbox/AthleteBios/KristinHedstrom.aspx” target=”_hplink”Kristin Hedstrom/a
strongAge: /strong26
strongResidence: /strongOakland, CA
strongEvent:/strong Rowing
stronga href=”http://in-the-arena-kristin.blogspot.com/” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong/a:/strong On athletes who did not make the Olympics: “We might now be in two separate groups – those who have made it and those who have not – but we all still have the same dream: to win gold for the USA.”
strongFun Fact: /strong Kristin participates in In The Arena, a program to connect youth with professional athletes to cultivate character and community.
Kibwe Johnson

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usatf.org/Athlete-Bios/Kibwe-Johnson.aspx” target=”_hplink”Kibwe Johnson/a
strongAge:/strong 31
strongBirthplace:/strong San Francisco, CA
strongEvent: /strongTrack Field
stronga href=”http://evergreenathletic.org/kibwe/” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong: /a/strong “There’s a reason they say the United States Olympic team is the hardest team to make. It isn’t just the competition. It’s also the sheer amount of physical and mental stress. Both in preparation, and the competition itself. Whether acknowledged or not, it’s there.”
strongFun Fact: /strong His wife, Crystal Johnson-Smith, is also a thrower.
Julie Nichols

strongName:/strong a href=”http://www.usrowing.org/Pressbox/AthleteBios/JulieNichols.aspx” target=”_hplink”Julie Nichols/a
strongAge/strong: 34
strongHometown/strong: Livermore, CA
strongEvent:/strong Rowing
stronga href=”http://www.nbcolympics.com/news-blogs/rowing/nichols-and-hedstrom-row-to-london.html” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong:/a/strong On her fourth place finish to qualify for the Olympics: “We had no idea it was that close. But we’ll take it.”
strongFun Fact: /strong Julie is a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at UCLA
Jessica Steffens

strongName:/stronga href=”http://www.usawaterpolo.org/NationalTeams/PlayerBio.aspx?ID=30″ target=”_hplink” Jessica Steffens/a
strongAge:/strong 25
strongHometown:/strong Danville, CA
strongEvent:/strong Water Polo
stronga href=”http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_20994970/united-states-routs-hungary-17-8-water-polo?source=rss” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong:/a/strong Describing the victory over Hungary before the Olympics: “It’s a huge help. You kind of get a sense of what it will be like.”
strongFun Fact: /strong Jessica’s sister, Maggie, is a member of the Senior National Team for water polo.
Maggie Steffens (Left)

strongName: /stronga href=”http://www.usawaterpolo.org/NationalTeams/PlayerBio.aspx?ID=47″ target=”_hplink”Maggie Steffens/a
strongAge: /strong19
strongHometown:/strong Danville, CA
strongEvent:/strong Waterpolo
stronga href=”http://www.sportstarsonline.com/content/sportstars-female-athlete-fall-maggie-steffens” target=”_hplink”strongQuotable Quote/strong:/a /strong “I can envision myself (in London), but it’s kind of just in my own mind. It’s a lot of work to get there, and there are a lot of great girls on that team. (But) you get a taste of something, you just want it so much more.”
strongFun Fact:/strong Of Maggie’s 45 cousins, most are successful athletes.
Peter Varellas

strongName:/strong a href=”http://www.usawaterpolo.org/NationalTeams/PlayerBio.aspx?ID=18″ target=”_hplink”Peter Varelles/a
strongAge/strong: 27
strongHometown:/strong Moraga, CA
strongEvent:/strong Water Polo
strongFun Fact: /strong Peter is the only left-handed returning Olympian on the team.
Misty May-Treanor

strongName/strong: Misty May-Treanor
strongAge/strong: 34
strongHometown/strong: Los Angeles
strongEvent/strong: Volleyball
stronga href=”http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/01/misty-may-treanors-workout/” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On her workout routine: “You’d be surprised. I think people think we do a tremendous amount of exercises that are completely different from what the general population can do. It’s not true. I think athletes in general have to be a little more disciplined and get our work in.”
strongFun Fact/strong: May-Treanor and her teammate, Kerry Walsh, have won gold medals in 2004 and 2008.
Ronda Rousey

strongName:/strong a href=”http://www.rondamma.com/” target=”_hplink”Ronda Rousey/a
strongAge/strong: 25
strongHometown:/strong Riverside, CA
strongEvent:/strong Mixed Martial Arts
strongFun Fact: /strong Rousey only started mixed martial arts two years ago, in 2010.
stronga href=”http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-07-22/sports/bal-mma-champion-ronda-rousey-is-not-a-fan-of-michael-phelps-20120722_1_ronda-rousey-michael-phelps-strikeforce” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On her relationships with fellow Olympians: “Michael Phelps kind of annoyed me.”
Anthony Fahden (Right)

strongName:/strong a href=”http://www.usrowing.org/Pressbox/AthleteBios/AnthonyFahden.aspx” target=”_hplink”Anthony Fahden/a
strongAge/strong: 26
strongHometown:/strong Lafayette, CA
strongEvent:/strong Rowing
stronga href=”http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=anthony-fahden/index.html” target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a:/strong Fahden’s favorite song is “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John.
stronga href=”http://www.usrowing.org/Pressbox/AthleteBios/AnthonyFahden.aspx” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On the Olympic qualifying race: “They call it the Regatta of Death for a reason.”
Kara Kohler (Second To Left)

strongName:/strong a href=”http://www.usrowing.org/Pressbox/AthleteBios/KaraKohler.aspx” target=”_hplink”Kara Kohler/a
strongAge/strong: 21
strongHometown:/strong Clayton, CA
strongEvent:/strong Rowing
strongFun Fact/strong: Kohler swam competitively throughout high school.
stronga href=”http://www.row2k.com/features/features.cfm?action=readID=471#.UA2T7jHLzH0″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/a/strong: On her favorite part of the sport: “Having so many people holding each other accountable to do our best for the benefit of the team.”
Alex Osborne

strongName:/strong a href=”http://www.usrowing.org/Pressbox/AthleteBios/AlexOsborne.aspx” target=”_hplink”Alex Osborne/a
strongAge/strong: 25
strongHometown:/strong Sherman Oaks, CA
strongEvent:/strong Rowing
strongFun Fact/strong: Osborne hopes to have career in technology and internet startups, with a focus on mobile gaming.
Mary Whipple

strongName:/strong a href=”http://www.usrowing.org/Pressbox/AthleteBios/MaryWhipple.aspx” target=”_hplink”Mary Whipple/a
strongAge/strong: 32
strongHometown:/strong Orangevale, CA
strongEvent:/strong Rowing
strongFun Fact/strong: Whipple was named the 2008 World Rowing Female Crew of the Year by FISA, following her Olympic gold medal win.
stronga href=”http://www.worldrowing.com/athletes/mary-whipple” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: Describing her style in one word: “Supportive.”
Esther Lofgren

strongName:/strong a href=”http://www.usrowing.org/Pressbox/AthleteBios/EstherLofgren.aspx” target=”_hplink”Esther Lofgren/a
strongAge/strong: 27
strongHometown:/strong Newport Beach, CA
strongEvent:/strong Rowing
strongFun Fact/strong: Lofgren is an impressive 6’2″ tall, and attended Harvard University.
stronga href=”http://estherlofgren.blogspot.com/” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “At our Olympic Ambassador training several months ago, we were asked to write a letter to ourselves, one that we’d open if we made it to the Olympics. I had completely forgotten about it, and opened the letter to find a huge reminder of the work that we’ve put in as a team over the last four years and the tons of support that are beaming over here from everyone we know in the USA. It was so moving and it really sunk in–this is it. I’m here. At the Olympics.”
Erin Cafaro (Right)

strongName: /stronga href=”http://www.usrowing.org/Pressbox/AthleteBios/ErinCafaro.aspx” target=”_hplink”Erin Cafaro/a
strongAge/strong: 29
strongHometown:/strong Modesto, CA
strongEvent:/strong Rowing
strongFun Fact/strong: Cafaro says that she is fairly superstitious, and adds 22 seconds to any workout or warm-up.
stronga href=”http://shivspix.com/2010/02/08/interviews/erin-cafaro-interview/” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “You can have a lot of things to think about that aren’t going right or maybe physically you aren’t as gifted as the next girl, but that’s no excuse. Rowing is a very mental sport, so just find your mental weakness and make it your strength.”
Howard Bach

strongName: /stronga href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/BA/Howard-Bach.aspx” target=”_hplink”Howard Bach/a
strongAge/strong: 27
strongHometown:/strong San Francisco, CA
strongEvent:/strong Badminton
strongFun Fact/strong: Bach lists fishing, bowling, basketball, skiing, river rafting, playing the guitar, playing video games, driving really fast, remote control cars, and flying kites as his hobbies.
stronga href=”http://www.2008.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=826/qa/index.html” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On being one of emPeople/em’s most eligible bachelors, despite being in a relationship: “It was a good experience. We got to showcase the sport. When my girlfriend found it, she was like, ‘Oh, that’s great.’ It was kind of funny. I explained to her it was to promote the sport. She understood. … Maybe they can do a ’50 Hottest Engaged Men’ this year.” [Note: Bach is now married.]
Rena Wang

strongName: /stronga href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/WA/Rena-Wang.aspx” target=”_hplink”Rena Wang/a
strongAge/strong: 21
strongHometown:/strong Arcadia, CA
strongEvent:/strong Badminton
strongFun Fact/strong: Wang is majoring in biology at UCLA.
stronga href=”http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Badminton/Features/2012/June/12/Frequent-Flyer-Rena-Wang-Books-Trip-to-London.aspx” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On the hectic international tournament schedule: “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my parents’ support. We don’t get a lot of funding so I’m really happy that they’re really supportive, both financially and emotionally. It’s like a family affair.”
Tony Gunawan

strongName: /stronga href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/GU/Tony-Gunawan.aspx” target=”_hplink”Tony Gunawan/a
strongAge/strong: 37
strongHometown:/strong Orange, CA
strongEvent:/strong Badminton
strongFun Fact/strong: Gunawan is originally from Indonesia, and won a gold medal for his home country in 2000.
stronga href=”http://web.archive.org/web/20061021043207/http://news.asianweek.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=e2220997cf387b079d5341d865c36e5c” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On emigrating and playing for the USA: “It’s like a dream come true to come to the United States to try to promote this sport.”
Amber Neben

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/NE/Amber-Neben.aspx#profile” target=”_hplink”Amber Neben/a
strongAge/strong: 37
strongHometown/strong: Irvine, CA
strongEvent/strong: Road Cycling
strongFun Fact/strong: Neben is a survivor of spinal meningitis; doctors initially told her family that if she didn’t die, she would be deaf and suffer from brain damage.
stronga href=”http://espn.go.com/espnw/journeys-victories/7831945/cyclist-amber-neben-turns-challenges-opportunities” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “I’m never satisfied unless I win, so that’s what I’m always shooting for. Any time you face adversity, you have to decide, are you going to stay down or get back up? I’ve always chosen to let that obstacle become an opportunity.”
Sarah Hammer

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usacycling.org/sarah-hammer.htm” target=”_hplink”Sarah Hammer/a
strongAge/strong: 28
strongHometown/strong: Redondo Beach, CA
strongEvent/strong: Track Cycling
strongFun Fact/strong: Hammer retired from track cycling in 2003, only to return to the sport in 2004.
stronga href=”http://articles.latimes.com/2012/may/05/sports/la-sp-oly-cycling-hammer-20120506″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On recovering after a bad show at the Beijing games: “I really enjoyed training with the young riders. That was one of the biggest things that helped re-motivate me after Beijing. They gave me a new, fresh perspective. They looked up to me and my accomplishments. It was just a great experience being around people from all over the world.”
Kate Anderson

strongName/strong: a href=”https://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/AN/Kate-Anderson.aspx#profile” target=”_hplink”Kate Anderson/a
strongAge/strong: 29
strongHometown/strong: Sacramento, CA
strongEvent/strong: Archery
strongFun Fact/strong: Anderson studied linguistics at UCLA.
Steffen Peters

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/PE/Steffen-Peters.aspx” target=”_hplink”Steffen Peters/a
strongAge/strong: 48
strongHometown/strong: San Diego, CA
strongEvent/strong: Equestrian
strongFun Fact/strong: Peters was born in Germany and has been a US citizen since 1985.
stronga href=”http://www.dressage-news.com/?p=15042″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “I get up every day on a beautiful farm in Southern California. There are many days where I poke myself and say, ‘This is amazing.'”
Tiana Coudray

strongName/strong: a href=”http://tianacoudrayeventing.com/” target=”_hplink”Tiana Coudray/a
strongAge/strong: 21
strongHometown/strong: Santa Barbara, CA
strongEvent/strong: Equestrian
stronga href=”http://tianacoudrayeventing.com/about/” target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a/strong: Coudray spent 10 years as a Irish Dancer and competed in five Irish Dancing World Championships, in which she had a career high of finishing 8th in the world.
stronga href=”http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/three-days-three-ways-interviews-tiana-coudray” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “I am very competitive. And very motivated and driven. I do my best to temper that! I would like to think that I’m sympathetic to my horses, and that I can temper my competitive side with the best interests of the horse. That’s a juggling act that you constantly face at competitions.”
Mariya Koroleva (Left)

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usasynchro.org/National_Teams/nt1/koroleva.htm” target=”_hplink”Mariya Koroleva/a
strongAge/strong: 22
strongHometown/strong: Concord, CA
strongEvent:/strong Synchronized Swimming
strongFun Fact/strong: Koroleva has dual Russian citizenship, and cites her biggest hardship as waiting for her American papers to process in order to compete.
stronga href=”http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/synchronized-swimming/getting-to-know-maria-koroleva.html” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On starting synchronized swimming: “I just said, ‘Why not?'”
Morgan Fuller

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usasynchro.org/National_Teams/nt1/fuller.htm?” target=”_hplink”Morgan Fuller/a
strongAge/strong: 22
strongHometown/strong: Sunnyvale, CA
strongEvent/strong: Synchronized Swimming
strongFun Fact/a/strong: Fuller enjoys big game hunting.
Michelle Theriault

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usasynchro.org/National_Teams/nt1/theriault.htm?” target=”_hplink”Michelle Theriault/a
strongAge/strong: 24
strongHometown/strong: North Hills, CA
strongEvent/strong: Synchronized Swimming
strongFun Fact/a/strong: Theriault attends Ohio State University and is majoring in early childhood development.
Bryshon Nellum

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.nbcolympics.com/news-blogs/blog=the-rundown/post/bryshon-nellum-makes-courageous-run-to-london.html” target=”_hplink”Bryshon Nellum/a
strongAge/strong: 23
strongHometown/strong: Long Beach, CA
strongEvent/strong: Track
strongFun Fact/a/strong: Nellum has overcome many obstacles to get to London; in 2008, he was the a href=”http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2012/07/bryshon_nellum_usc_shot_london_olympics.php” target=”_hplink”victim of a drive-by gang violence/a and was shot in both his legs.
stronga href=”http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jun/25/sports/la-sp-oly-track-trials-20120625″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On overcoming the odds to reach the Olympics: “I’m here, I have the medal around my neck, I’ve got team processing papers, got an American flag, got my flowers, so I guess it’s true.”
Mike Bryan

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www2.teamusa.org/Athletes/BR/Mike-Bryan.aspx” target=”_hplink”Mike Bryan/a
strongAge/strong: 34
strongHometown/strong: Camarillo, CA
strongEvent/strong: Tennis
strongFun Fact/a/strong: Bryan drums in The Bryan Brothers Band with his brother and fellow tennis champ, Bob, and their father, Wayne.
stronga href=”http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/DEUCE-Tennis/DEUCE-Finals-2008/Bryans-Dynamic-Duo.aspx” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On playing doubles with his brother: “Doubles is a game where there are so many facets, so many shots you have to learn, so much strategy that it takes a long time to develop into a great doubles player. We’ve been working on doubles – not just singles – since such a young age and have developed a lot of skills that you need to be great doubles players. Overall our games really complement each other.”
Bob Bryan

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www2.teamusa.org/Athletes/BR/Bob-Bryan.aspx” target=”_hplink”Bob Bryan/a
strongAge/strong: 34
strongHometown/strong: Camarillo, CA
strongEvent/strong: Tennis
strongFun Fact/a/strong: Bryan volunteers for several charities including WECANN for abused and neglected children, Andrea Jaeger’s Silver Lining Foundation, and Elton John’s AIDS Foundation.
stronga href=”http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/DEUCE-Tennis/DEUCE-May-2010/Bryans-Twitter.aspx” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On his Twitter presence: “When you’ve got 15,000 people following you, it can be hard to post a tweet that won’t offend someone in that group. I once tweeted that I went to see ‘New Moon’ and I copped a lot of flak over that. I didn’t realise there were so many ‘New Moon’ haters.”
Ariel Hsing

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/HS/Ariel-Hsing.aspx” target=”_hplink”Ariel Hsing/a
strongAge/strong: 16
strongHometown/strong: San Jose, CA
strongEvent/strong: Table Tennis
stronga href=”http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/sportsid=8652256″ target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a/a/strong: Hsing is the youngest woman in U.S. history to win the national table tennis championship.
stronga href=”http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/sportsid=8652256″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “My motto there is even if there’s just a one percent chance, I’ll still put in 100 percent effort.”
Erica Wu

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/WU/Erica-Wu.aspx” target=”_hplink”Erica Wu/a
strongAge/strong: 16
strongHometown/strong: Arcadia, CA
strongEvent/strong: Table Tennis
strongFun Fact/strong: Wu loves to prank people.
stronga href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD-jVH9aksA” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On being a champ in a rising sport: “We’re part of the first generation to play as seriously as we do now.”
Stephanie Brown Trafton

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/BR/Stephanie-BrownTrafton.aspx” target=”_hplink”Stephanie Brown Trafton/a
strongAge/strong: 33
strongHometown/strong: Arroyo, CA
strongEvent/strong: Discus
strongFun Fact/strong: Trafton is 6’4″, which gives her incredible leverage.
stronga href=”http://trackandfield.about.com/od/discus/a/BrownTraftonIn2_2.htm” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “Strength will do nothing for you if you can’t move it, if you can’t be dynamic with it.”
Mebrahtom Keflezighi

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/KE/Mebrahtom-Keflezighi.aspx” target=”_hplink”Mebrahtom Keflezighi/a
strongAge/strong: 37
strongHometown/strong: San Diego, CA
strongEvent/strong: Track
strongFun Fact/strong: Keflezighi is originally from Eritrea.
stronga href=”http://running.competitor.com/2009/10/features/exclusive-meb-keflezighi-interview_5848″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “Part of training is to be smart. What other people do isn’t always going to work for you.”
Jessica Cosby

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/CO/Jessica-Cosby.aspx” target=”_hplink”Jessica Cosby/a
strongAge/strong: 30
strongHometown/strong: Reseda, CA
strongEvent/strong: Hammer Throw
stronga href=”http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/19/local/me-banks19″ target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a/strong: Cosby was a champion basketball player, sprinter, and shot putter in high school.
stronga href=”http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/19/local/me-banks19″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On her love for a fairly obscure sport: “I wouldn’t say I’m more talented than anyone else. But I was hooked. It’s hard work, but I love it.”
Sharon Day

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www2.teamusa.org/Athletes/DA/Sharon-Day.aspx” target=”_hplink”Sharon Day/a
strongAge/strong: 27
strongHometown/strong: Costa Mesa, CA
strongEvent:/strong High Jump
strongFun Fact/strong: This will be Day’s second time at the Olympics.
stronga href=”http://articles.dailypilot.com/2012-06-30/sports/tn-dpt-0701-spsharonday-20120630_1_heptathlon-sharon-day-hyleas-fountain” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On her second Olympic trials: “I’d say this one feels a little better [than the 2008 U.S. Olympic trials] because I know I did it on my own accord. The last one I had to see if someone missed [in the high jump] so I could make it. I didn’t have to worry about anyone else. It was all me.”
LaShinda Demus

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www2.teamusa.org/Athletes/DE/LaShinda-Demus.aspx” target=”_hplink”LaShinda Demus/a
strongAge/strong: 29
strongHometown/strong: Long Beach, CA
strongEvent/strong: Track 400 m hurdles
strongFun Fact/strong: Demus has five-year-old twin boys.
stronga href=”http://www.celebritybabyscoop.com/2012/07/20/olympic-mom-lashinda-demus-my-boys-will-cheer-me-on-in-london” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On raising young sons while keeping her career going: “I always tell people that I’m still trying to figure it out. All I do know is that I would not be able to keep the amount of balance I do have without my other half, my husband. Time management is definitely the key.”
Allyson Felix

strongName: /stronga href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/FE/Allyson-Felix.aspx” target=”_hplink”Allyson Felix/a
strongAge/strong: 27
strongHometown:/strong Los Angeles, CA
strongEvent:/strong Track Field
strongFun Fact/strong: Felix is coached by Bob Kersee, husband of Olympic heptathlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
stronga href=”http://www.fitsugar.com/Allyson-Felix-Interview-About-Qualifying-Olympics-24069458″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On narrowly missing out on the gold medal in Beijing: “I feel like I can’t escape it. I’m always thinking about that race, thinking about that final. So hopefully everything goes well up until then. I definitely go back to that moment of getting second all the time. I don’t think I ever really got over it. I think that I don’t want to.”
Ryan Hall

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/HA/Ryan-Hall.aspx” target=”_hplink”Ryan Hall/a
strongAge/strong: 30
strongHometown:/strong Big Bear Lake, CA
strongEvent/strong: Track Field
strongFun Fact/strong: Hall is the first American to break the one-hour barrier in the half marathon.
stronga href=”http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=19104″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On his spirituality: “I have heard stories and had personal experiences in my own running when I felt very strongly that God was involved. For example, running the Houston half marathon and breaking an hour was the easiest race I ever ran. I felt like I could have run another half marathon despite being in the middle of heavy marathon training, not backing off for the race at all and having the craziest most stressful travel I have ever had before. But it wasn’t just the ease in which I ran with that made me feel like God was with me, it was the peace that I felt as I ran.”
Jason Richardson (Right)

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/RI/Jason-Richardson.aspx” target=”_hplink”Jason Richardson/a
strongAge/strong: 26
strongHometown/strong: Inglewood, CA
strongEvent/strongL Track Field
strongFun Fact/strong: Richardson was involved with the debate team when he was younger.
stronga href=”http://www.londons-olympic.com/world_champion_jason_richardson_humorous_interview_after_110mh_qualifying_2012_us_olympic_trials/vi/R5JPnw60LKM.html#.UA7aJTHLxwY” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On being a world champion: “I want to put it on a cloak, like a Harry Potter cloak.”
Tyler Clary

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/CL/Tyler-Clary.aspx” target=”_hplink”Tyler Clary/a
strongAge/strong: 23
strongHometown/strong: Riverside, CA
strongEvent/strong: Swimming
strongFun Fact/strong: Clary loves playing World of Warcraft.
stronga href=”http://www.askmen.com/sports/bodybuilding/tyler-clary-interview.html” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On massages: “People always go, ‘It must be such a tough life getting massages like that.’ But when your body is as beat up as mine gets, the massages aren’t exactly pleasant. They’re pretty painful.”
Graham Biehl

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/BI/Graham-Biehl.aspx” target=”_hplink”Graham Biehl/a
strongAge/strong: 26
strongHometown/strong: San Diego, CA
strongEvent/strong: Sailing
stronga href=”http://www.fullplanesail.com/GB.html” target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a/strong: Biehl surfs in his free time.
stronga href=”http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/sailing/mens-470-sailing.html” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On the athleticism of sailing: “Fitness is pretty important, especially for team size.”
Kyla Ross

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www2.teamusa.org/Athletes/RO/Kyla-Ross.aspx” target=”_hplink”Kyla Ross/a
strongAge/strong: 16
strongHometown/strong: Aliso Viejo, CA
strongEvent/strong: Gymnastics
stronga href=”http://www.fullplanesail.com/GB.html” target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a/strong: Ross loves the TV show “Modern Family.”
stronga href=”http://www.gymnastike.org/speaker/4665-Kyla-Ross” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On being a California girl: “I don’t get out much…I rarely go to the beach.”
Sam Mikulak

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/MI/Samuel-Mikulak.aspx” target=”_hplink”Sam Mikulak/a
strongAge/strong: 20
strongHometown/strong: Corona del Mar, CA
strongEvent/strong: Gymnastics
strongFun Fact/strong: Mikulak has been competing in gymnastics since age two.
stronga href=”http://www.gymnastike.org/coverage/247899-2012-Olympic-Team-Trials/video/645281-Sam-Mikulak-Happy-to-Hit-his-1-Event-Due-to-Ankle-Injury” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On winning the first day of Olympic trials: “I was in shock…I had no idea…It’s been my dream.”
Troy Dumais

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/DU/Troy-Dumais.aspx” target=”_hplink”Troy Dumais/a
strongAge/strong: 32
strongHometown/strong: Ventura, CA
strongEvent/strong: Diving
strongFun Fact/strong: Dumais has been diving for 24 years, and the London games will mark his fourth Olympic venture.
stronga href=”http://tv.swimmingworldmagazine.com/events/2009-usas-convention/interviews/2597″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On watching his past successful performances: “When we [athletes] get to see the highlights [of our careers], it just gives you goosebumps.”
Kristian Ipsen

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/IP/Kristian-Ipsen.aspx” target=”_hplink”Kristian Ipsen/a
strongAge/strong: 19
strongHometown/strong: Clayton, CA
strongEvent/strong: Diving
strongFun Fact/strong: In the summer, Ipsen works at his family’s restaurant, Skipolini’s Pizza.
stronga href=”http://www.uinterview.com/news/exclusive-us-olympian-kristian-ipsen-is-not-wearing-much-4991″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On working out and watching his figure: “Before, when I was younger, I didn’t really have to worry about it. But now that I stopped growing — and I’m not that tall — and especially because diving is a sport where you need to look good on the board and you’re not wearing much.”
Sarah Hammer

strongName/stronga href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/HA/Sarah-Hammer.aspx” target=”_hplink”: Sarah Hammer/a
strongAge/strong: 29
strongHometown/strong: Temecula, CA
strongEvent/strong: Track Cycling
stronga href=”http://www.sarahhammer.us/history.html” target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a/strong: Hammer loves to hike with her dogs.
stronga href=”http://momgenerations.com/2012/05/interview-with-world-champion-cyclist-sarah-hammer/” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On how she started cycling: “My Dad was a racer and a local master racer. I used to tag along as a child to his races to watch him. We’d go out together as I got a little older. Finally I got a race bike that I had been wanting. But I started when I was about 9 years old and just loved it!”
Carrie Johnson

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/JO/Carrie-Johnson.aspx” target=”_hplink”Carrie Johnson/a
strongAge/strong: 28
strongHometown/strong: San Diego, CA
strongEvent/strong: Canoe/Kayak
strongFun Fact/strong: Johnson is engaged to Swiss kayaker David Gubser.
stronga href=”http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/canoe-kayak/carrie-johnson-on-tipping-over-the-first-time-she-got-in-a-boat.html” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On her first time kayaking: “I was the person that stayed in the longest, and it was, you know, a second or two…That was really the first time that I started thinking about the Olympics and that this was an Olympic sport…It really started out as a dream.”
Shannon Boxx

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/BO/Shannon-Boxx.aspx” target=”_hplink”Shannon Boxx/a
strongAge/strong: 35
strongHometown/strong: Redondo Beach, CA
strongEvent/strong: Soccer
strongFun Fact/strong: Boxx always tries to eat banana pancakes before a game.
stronga href=”http://www.zimbio.com/Shannon+Boxx/articles/6/Interview+Shannon+Boxx+Women+Soccer+Team” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “It’s really easy to keep up your training intensity when you know there’s always someone trying to take your position. That is what is so great about playing on the U.S. National Team. You always have to be at the top of your game and you’re always improving because of the people around you. I train the way I do everyday because in the end I love what I do. When I’m having a rough day, I remind myself how great my job is.”
Rachel Buehler

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/BU/Rachel-Buehler.aspx” target=”_hplink”Rachel Buehler/a
strongAge/strong: 27
strongHometown/strong: Del Mar, CA
strongEvent/strong: Soccer
strongFun Fact/strong: Buehler is one of 27 in her family to attend Stanford University, and considers ladybugs her lucky charm.
stronga href=”http://www.wsoccernews.com/fullStory.php?action=viewStoryid=2459″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On being a team capitan “I really just try to help…my teammates, and be aware of the different players on the team.”
Sydney Leroux

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/LE/Sydney-Leroux.aspx” target=”_hplink”Sydney Leroux/a
strongAge/strong: 22
strongHometown/strong: Los Angeles, CA
strongEvent/strong: Soccer
strongFun Fact/strong: Both of Leroux’s parents have been professional athletes; her mother played for the Canadian National Softball Team, and her father played professional baseball.
stronga href=”http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Surrey+Sydney+Leroux+proud+wear+colours/6016285/story.html” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On moving from Canada to the US: “I knew that I was going to live my life…in the States and that I was going to college and pursue a career there and eventually build a family there. So it just made sense that I’d play there, as well.”
Heather Mitts

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/MI/Heather-Mitts.aspx” target=”_hplink”Heather Mitts/a
strongAge/strong: 34
strongHometown/strong: San Diego, CA
strongEvent/strong: Soccer
strongFun Fact/strong: Mitts ran with the bulls in Pamplona in 1999.
stronga href=”http://www.wsoccernews.com/fullStory.php?action=viewStoryid=2459″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On getting grief from her teammates about the attention she gets for her good looks: “Umm, I hear it a little bit from them sometimes. With the Charge, some of the girls would poke at me, but it was always in good fun.”
Megan Rapinoe

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/RA/Megan-Rapinoe.aspx” target=”_hplink”Megan Rapinoe/a
strongAge/strong: 27
strongHometown/strong: Redding, CA
strongEvent/strong: Soccer
strongFun Fact/strong: Rapinoe loves Florence and the Machine, Adele, Missy Higgins, Kings of Leon and Dar Williams.
stronga href=”http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Womens-National-Team/2009/09/11-Questions-with-Megan-Rapinoe.aspx” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: When asked if she were a celebrity chef, what the name of her show would be: “It would probably be ‘Rachael Cooks for Megan’ because my sister is a much better cook, and I would be there just to eat and stir and comment on how good the food tastes, because that’s actually what I do in real life anyway.”
Tony Azevedo

strongName/stronga href=”http://www.usawaterpolo.org/NationalTeams/PlayerBio.aspx?ID=3″ target=”_hplink”: Tony Azevedo/a
strongAge/strong: 31
strongHometown/strong: Long Beach, CA
strongEvent:/strong Water Polo
strongFun Fact/strong: Azevedo cites his most embarrassing water polo moment was when he was holding his MVP tournament trophy and broke it while on the podium.
stronga href=”http://www.2008.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=57/qa/index.html” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On being his role as team captain: “My role is to get as much out of the players as I can, and to help keep everyone positive. I try to share my experiences with the younger players. I tell them what it’s like playing at the Olympics and I explain what we need to do as a team to put ourselves in a position to win a medal. When we get our roster set, the most important thing will be to get our team to gel.”
Tumua Anae

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usawaterpolo.org/NationalTeams/PlayerBio.aspx?ID=60″ target=”_hplink”Tumua Anae/a
strongAge/strong: 24
strongHometown/strong: Newport Beach, CA
strongEvent/strong: Water Polo
strongFun Fact/strong: Anae says that her best Halloween costume ever was a pilgrim.
stronga href=”http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865552978/Water-polo-goalie-and-Mormon-Tumua-Anae-a-candidate-for-2012-USA-Olympic-team.html?pg=all” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “I always dreamed of going to the Olympics when I was young, and I think now that I have the opportunity to travel with the national team and represent my country, it’s so much more real and so much closer to a lifelong goal that I’ve had. It almost seems a little surreal sometimes.”
Ryan Bailey

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.teamusa.org/Athletes/BA/Ryan-Bailey.aspx” target=”_hplink”Ryan Bailey /a
strongAge/strong: 37
strongHometown/strong: Long Beach, CA
strongEvent/strong: Water Polo
strongFun Fact/strong: Somewhat predictably, Bailey says that if he were to have a super power, he would like to be able to breathe underwater.
stronga href=”http://www.askmen.com/sports/bodybuilding/ryan-bailey-interview.html” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “When I first got done with college I was planning on going to one, maybe two, Olympics, and finishing when I was 20 years old and getting a job and being a normal person. It just kind of turned out that this is more fun than working.”
Keshia Baker (Right)

strongName:/strong: a href=”http://www.usatf.org/Athlete-Bios/Keshia-Baker.aspx” target=”_hplink”Keshia Baker/a
strongAge/strong: 24
strongHometown/strong: Fairfield, CA
strongEvent/strong: Track Field
stronga href=”http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news.aspx?s=73712″ target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a/strong: Baker is earning her master’s degree in public health and social work at SDSU.
stronga href=”http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news.aspx?s=73712″ target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: “I put in all the work and don’t have to rely on somebody else. I train, eat right, put in the work and see the results. With track, it starts over every year. Just because you are in the lead one year, doesn’t mean you’ll maintain that lead. The next year a new person can come up. It depends on the day, on the person, on the event. I love all the aspects of competing in this field.”
Layne Beaubien

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usawaterpolo.org/NationalTeams/PlayerBio.aspx?ID=36″ target=”_hplink”Layne Beaubien/a
strongAge/strong: 36
strongHometown/strong: Coronado, CA
strongEvent/strong: Water Polo
strongFun Fact/strong: Beaubien’s favorite films are Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Hatari.
stronga href=”http://www.utsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040815/news_lz1s15oly3str.html” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On his training regimen: “Let me put it to you this way: I talk to God in the pool every day.”
Jillian Camarena- Williams

strongName/strong: a href=”http://www.usatf.org/Athlete-Bios/Jillian-Camarena-Williams.aspx” target=”_hplink”Jillian Camarena- Williams/a
strongAge/strong: 30
strongHometown/strong: Woodland, CA
strongEvent/strong: Shot Put
stronga href=”http://www.mercurynews.com/other-sports/ci_21113857/bay-area-olympians-jillian-camarena-williams” target=”_hplink”Fun Fact/a/strong: Camarena-Williams is the first American woman to win an international shot put competition.
stronga href=”http://espn.go.com/blog/olympics/post/_/id/2822/jillian-camarena-williams-close-call” target=”_hplink”Quotable Quote/a/strong: On buying her ticket to London before qualifying for the games: “You always get that thought in the back of your mind, but I was throwing well and things were going well. I just thought it was a good move to get it done early.”