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 Michigan!

Here are a few quick facts about your Olympians:

Tom Peszek
Sex : Male
Competing in Rowing
Event / position / class : Pair
Age : 27
From : Farmington Hills

Allison Schmitt
Sex : Female
Competing in Swimming
Event / position / class : 400m free; 200m free; 400m free relay; 800m free
Age : 22
From : Canton

Claressa Shields
Sex : Female
Competing in Boxing
Event / position / class : Middleweight
Age : 17
From : Flint

Peter Vanderkaay
Sex : Male
Competing in Swimming
Event / position / class : 400m free
Age : 28
From : Rochester

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.