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 the Garden State.
Here are a few quick facts about your Olympians!
- Athletics
Julie Culley, 30, of Lebanon
Jeff Porter, 26, of Somerset - Basketball
Asjha Jones, 31, of Piscataway - Fencing
Maya Lawrence, 31, of Teaneck
Dagmara Wozniak, 24, of Avenel - Field Hockey
Michelle Vittese, 22, of Cherry Hill
Rachel Dawson, 26, of Berlin - Gymnastics
Steven Gluckstein, 22, of Highlands - Judo
Nick Delpopolo, 23, of Westfield - Rowing
Steve Kasprzyk, 30, of Cinnaminson - Shooting
Matt Emmons, 31, of Brown Mills - Soccer
Tobin Heath, 24, of Basking Ridge
Carli Lloyd, 29, of Delran
Heather O’Reilly, 27, of East Brunswick
Christie Rampone, 37, of Point Pleasant - Swimming
Connor Jaeger, 21, of Fair Haven
Cullen Jones, 28, of Irvington
Rebecca Soni, 25, of Plainsboro - Tennis
Christina McHale, 20, of Englewood Cliffs - Wrestling
Jordan Burroughs, 24, of Sicklerville
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 sports ranging from basketball to karate, gymnastics, swimming and more.
