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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
