They've put in innumerable hours of sweat, blood and tears to get where they are today. They are among the best of the best and are ready to prove their mettle. 529 athletes from 45 states will represent the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
They are competing in events as diverse as athletics, fencing, rowing, soccer and basketball. For everyone, from swimmer Katie Ledecky, 15, to 54-year-old equestrian jumper Karen O’Connor, these Games represent the culmination of all the hard work and dedication they've put in to win the coveted medal.
It's time to meet the Olympians from Illinois, including Wheaton's own, Sean Rooney, who was named to the U.S. men's volleyball team on July 6!
Here are a few quick facts about your Olympians!
Lance Brooks
Sex : Male
Competing in Athletics
Event / position / class : Discus Throw
Age : 28
From : Springfield
Kelci Bryant
Sex : Female
Competing in Diving
Event / position / class : 3m synchro
Age : 23
From : Chatham
Ellis Coleman
Sex : Male
Competing in Wrestling
Event / position / class : Greco-Roman 60kg
Age : 20
From : Oak Park
Anthony Davis
Sex : Male
Competing in Basketball
Event / position / class : Forward
Age : 19
From : Chicago
Conor Dwyer
Sex : Male
Competing in Swimming
Event / position / class : 400m free;800m free relay
Age : 23
From : Winnetka
Matt Grevers
Sex : Male
Competing in Swimming
Event / position / class : 100m back; 400m free relay
Age : 27
From : Lake Forest
Andre Iguodala
Sex : Male
Competing in Basketball
Event / position / class : Guard/Forward
Age : 28
From : Springfield
Evan Jager
Sex : Male
Competing in Athletics
Event / position / class : 3,000m steeplechase
Age : 23
From : Algonquin
Amy LePeilbet
Sex : Female
Competing in Soccer
Event / position / class : Defenseman
Age : 30
From : Crystal Lake
Candace Parker
Sex : Female
Competing in Basketball
Event / position / class : Forward/Center/Guard
Age : 26
From : Naperville
Sean Rooney
Sex : Male
Competing in Volleyball
Event / position / class : Outside Hitter
Age : 29
From : Wheaton
Bob Willis
Sex : Male
Competing in Sailing
Event / position / class : Men's Windsurf
Age : 25
From : Chicago
Looking for a way to celebrate the Olympics locally? You can find local events for Olympic Fun Day on July 28 on the Let’s Move website, which has a page about how to set up your own local Olympics.
Also check out our Directory and Events Calendar for listings of places where you can learn and participate in Olympic sports ranging from basketball to karate, gymnastics, swimming and more.
