Community Corner

Five Olympians from Northern Virginia

Meet the local athletes from Virginia who will be competing in the 2012 Olympic Games.

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 these Virginia athletes, the Games are the culmination of all the hard work and dedication they've put in.

Here are a few quick facts about your Northern Virginia Olympians!

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Terrence Jennings 
Sex : Male 
Taekwondo
Event / position / class : 68kg
Age : 25
From : Alexandria

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Giuseppe Lanzone 
Sex : Male 
Rowing
Event / position / class : Eight
Age : 29
From : Annandale

See: 

Kate Ziegler
Sex: Female
Swimming 
Event / position / class : 800m free
Age: 24
From: Great Falls 

See:  

Claire Laubach
Sex: Female
Competing in field hockey
Event / position / class : Defense
Age: 28 (she'll turn 29 on July 29)
From: Bristow 

Matt McLean
Sex: Male
Competing in Swimming
Event / position / class : 800m free relay
Age: 24
From: Stering 

Also from Virginia:

  • Francena McCorory, Hampton, in the 400m 
  • William  Coleman, Hampton, in equestrian eventing
  • Gabrielle Douglas, Virginia Beach, in gymnastics
  • LaShawn Merritt, Portsmouth, in the 400 m
  • Caroline Nichols, Virginia Beach, in field hockey
  • Reid Priddy, Richmond, volleyball
  • Shannon Taylor, Midlothian, field hockey
  • Kellie Wells, Richmond, 100m hurdles

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.


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