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London Olympics 2012 Preview: Minnesota Well Represented On Team USA

Minnesota is well represented among the athletes headed to London to represent the United States in the 2012 Olympic Games.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Alise Post of the USA in action in the Elite Womens TT qualifying during day two of the UCI BMX World Championships at NIA Arena on May 25, 2012 in Birmingham, England.  (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Alise Post of the USA in action in the Elite Womens TT qualifying during day two of the UCI BMX World Championships at NIA Arena on May 25, 2012 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
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The 2012 Olympic Games begin Friday, July 27 and a number of Minnesota athletes are among those headed to London to represent the United States. The Games run through August 12 and feature athletes both born in Minnesota and those who make their professional lives here.

BMX bicycle racing will be making its second appearance at the London Games, having debuted at 2008's Summer Olympics in Beijing. Among the riders suiting up for Team USA is Alise Post, a former BMX World Champion from St. Cloud. Minnesota is well represented in the wrestling ranks: the women's team features New Ulm-born freestyle wrestler Ali Bernard, while the men's Greco-Roman team has a pair of locals, Chas Betts, born in St. Michael, and Sam Hazewinkel of Rosemont.

On the professional side, Kevin Love of the Timberwolves will be contributing to men's Team USA's basketball efforts, and the Minnesota Lynx's Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore and Lyndsay Whalen will be doing the same for the women's Team USA. Whalen was also born and raised in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and attended University of Minnesota.

A complete list of Minnesota-born athletes at the 2012 London Olympics:

  • Athlete - Hometown - Event
  • Ali Bernard - New Ulm - Wrestling
  • Alex Meyer - Rochester - Swimming
  • Brittany Viola - St. Paul - Diving
  • Rachel Boosma - Minneapolis - Swimming
  • Amanada Smock - Melrose - Track & Field
  • Chas Betts - St. Michael - Wrestling
  • Sam Hazewinkel - Rosemont - Wrestling
  • Susie Scanlan - St. Paul - Fencing (Epee)
  • Alise Post - St. Cloud - Cycling (BMX)
  • Megan Kalmoe - Minneapolis - Rowing
  • Lindsay Whalen - Hutchinson - Basketball
The London Games feature 302 medal events over 32 sports, so there should be something for any and every sports fan. And no matter what sport you're looking for, remember that SB Nation has you covered.

Stick with SB Nation Minnesota for a local angle on the 2012 Olympic Games. For all things Olympics, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub.

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Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.