Florida will be making its presence known as the 2012 Olympics get under way. The state boasts 26 hometown athletes who will be a part of the contingent representing the United States in the games.
In statement Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott said, “Whether you watch from London or from the comfort of your home, I encourage Floridians to support Florida’s athletes as they compete during the coming weeks. Florida’s Olympians have dedicated many hours to prepare for competition and made many sacrifices to get to London, and we wish them the very best success.”
The Olympic Games begins Friday, July 27 and continues through August 12.
GO TEAM USA!
Below is a list of Florida-based athletes competing in the 2012 Olympic Games, Courtesy of U.S. Olympic Committee Department of Communications.
Brandon
- Chris Colwill, Diving, 3 Meter, Brandon (competed in 2008 Games)
Clearwater
- Jared Frayer, Wrestling, Freestyle 66kg, Clearwater (first Olympic Games)
- Paige Railey, Sailing, Laser Radial, Clearwater (first Olympic Games)
- Zach Railey, Sailing, Finn, Clearwater (silver medalist in 2008)
Daytona Beach
- Ryan Lochte, Swimming, Backstroke, Freestyle Individual Medley, Daytona Beach (competed in 2004 and 2008 games winning six medals, three gold)
Ft. Lauderdale
- Sarah Lihan, Sailing, Women's two-person dingy, Ft. Lauderdale (first Olympic Games)
- Sanya Richards-Ross, Athletics, 400m, Ft. Lauderdale (competed in 2004 and 2008 Games, won two medals at 2008 Games)
Gainesville
- Mike Holloway, Athletics, Assistant Coach Sprints and Hurdles, Gainesville (first Olympic Games)
Longwood
- Hunter Kemper, Triathlon, Longwood (competed in 2000, 2004, 2008 Games)
North Palm Beach
- Laura Bennett, Triathlon, North Palm Beach (an alternate on 2004 U.S. Team)
Ormond Beach
- Phil Dalhausser, Volleyball - Beach, Ormond Beach (2008 gold medalist)
Oviedo
- Jennifer Simpson, Athletics, Middle Distance (mile, steeplechase), Oviedo (first Olympic Games)
Plantation
- Foluke Akinradewo, Volleyball, Middle Blocker, Plantation (first Olympic Games)
- Anna Tunnicliffe, Sailing, Elliott 6m, Plantation (gold medalist in 2008)
Riviera Beach
- Tony McQuay, Athletics, 400m, Riviera Beach (first Olympic Games)
Miami
- Brian Fatih, Sailing, Men's Keelboat, Miami (first Olympic Games)
- Sylvia Fowles, Basketball, Center, Miami (competed in 2008 Games)
- Manuel Huerta, Triathlon, Miami (first Olympic Games)
- LeBron James, Basketball, Forward, Miami (competed in 2004 and 2008 Games)
- Danell Leyva, Gymnastics, Artistic, Miami (first Olympic Games)
- Mark Mendelblatt, Sailing, Men's Keelboat, Miami (competed in 2004 Games)
- Robin Prendes, Rowing, Lightweight Men's Four, Miami (first Olympic Games)
Naples
- Trevor Moore, Sailing, 49er, Naples (first Olympic Games
Orlando
- Brittany Viola, Diving, 1 meter, Platform, Orlando (first Olympic Games)
Palm City
- Tina Konyot, Equestrian, Dressage, Palm City (first Olympic Games)
Palm Beach Gardens
- Serena Williams, Tennis, Palm Beach Gardens (competed in 2000 and 2008 Games)
- Venus Williams, Tennis, Palm Beach Gardens (competed in 2000, 2004 and 2008 Games)
Pensacola
- Justin Gatlin, Athletics, 100m, 200m, Pensacola (gold medalist in 2004 Games)
Sarasota
- Lacy Janson, Athletics, Pole Vault, Sarasota (first Olympic Games)
Tampa
- Emil Milev, Shooting, Rapid Fire Pistol, Tampa (fifth Olympic Games appearance, first for U.S.)