Meet Your Olympians

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 Patch towns in Massachusetts! We even have on in nearby, Marblehead.

Here are a few quick facts about your Olympians!

Shalane Flanagan
Sex : Female
Competing in Athletics
Event / position / class : Marathon
Age : 31
From : Marblehead

Kristin Hedstrom
Sex : Female
Competing in Rowing
Event / position / class : Lightweight Double Sculls
Age : 26
From : Concord

Will Newell
Sex : Male
Competing in Rowing
Event / position / class : Lightweight Four
Age : 23
From : Weston

Shelley Olds
Sex : Female 
Competing in Cycling
Event / position / class : Road - Road Race
Age : 31
From : Groton

Elena Pirozhkova
Sex : Female 
Competing in Wrestling
Event / position / class : Freestyle 63kg
Age : 25
From : Greenfield

Alexandria Raisman
Sex : Female
Competing in Gymnastics
Event / position / class : Artistic
Age : 18
From : Needham

Evelyn Stevens
Sex : Female
Competing in Cycling
Event / position / class : Road - Road Race
Age : 29
From : Acton

Gevvie Stone
Sex : Female
Competing in Rowing
Event / position / class : Single Sculls
Age : 27
From : Newton

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.