Meet Your Illinois Olympians

They've contributed innumerable amounts 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.

A total of 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 fencing, rowing, soccer and basketball. For everyone from 15-year-old swimmer Katie Ledecky, to 54-year-old equestrian jumper Karen O’Connor, these Games represent the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication.

There aren't any current competitors from , though swimmer and Tinley native by just a hair.

Also, take a moment to read about Danijela Jackovich, who was on the Olympic Development Team and in 2011 was the captain for USA Youth National Team: .

It's time to meet the Olympians from Illinois! Here are a few quick facts:

Lance Brooks

Competing in Athletics

• Sex: Male 
• Event/position/class: Discus Throw
• Age: 28
• Hometown: Springfield

Kelci Bryant

Competing in Diving

• Sex: Female 
• Event/position/class: 3m synchro
• Age: 23
• Hometown: Chatham

Ellis Coleman

Competing in Wrestling

• Sex: Male 
• Event/position/class: Greco-Roman 60kg
• Age: 20
• Hometown: Oak Park

Anthony Davis

Competing in Basketball

• Sex: Male 
• Event/position/class: Forward
• Age: 19
• Hometown: Chicago

Conor Dwyer

Competing in Swimming

• Sex: Male 
• Event/position/class: 400m free;800m free relay 
• Age: 23
• Hometown: Winnetka

Matt Grevers

Competing in Swimming

• Sex: Male 
• Event/position/class: 100m back; 400m free relay 
• Age: 27
• Hometown: Lake Forest

Andre Iguodala

Competing in Basketball

• Sex: Male 
• Event/position/class: Guard/Forward
• Age: 28
• Hometown: Springfield

Evan Jager

Competing in Athletics

• Sex: Male 
• Event/position/class: 3,000m steeplechase
• Age: 23
• Hometown: Algonquin

Amy LePeilbet

Competing in Soccer

• Sex: Female 
• Event/position/class: Defenseman
• Age: 30
• Hometown: Crystal Lake

Candace Parker

Competing in Basketball

• Sex: Female 
• Event/position/class: Forward/Center/Guard
• Age: 26
• Hometown: Naperville

Sean Rooney

Competing in Volleyball

• Sex: Male 
• Event/position/class: Outside Hitter
• Age: 29
• Hometown: Wheaton

Bob Willis

Competing in Sailing

• Sex: Male 
• Event/position/class: Men's Windsurf
• Age: 25
• Hometown: Chicago

Looking for a way to celebrate the Olympics locally? You can find local events for 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.