Grab your Team USA jacket. The Olympics start tonight!! As the world comes together to watch talented athletes give it their all, it’s time to celebrate togetherness and our local communities. Did you know that many Team USA athletes competing this year are from the neighborhood? That’s right; there are SoCal athletes representing Team USA in Sochi. Here are a few contenders who soak up the California sun when they’re not busying winning gold for Team USA:
Snowboarding
Perhaps the most famous member of Team USA, snowboarding legend Shaun White was born in San Diego and currently resides in Carlsbad. This Team USA athlete set a world record at the 2010 Olympics, so this year is sure to be a treat. As his third time representing Team USA at the Winter Olympics, White is hoping to win his third gold medal in the snowboarding halfpipe competition.
Greg Bretz, who was born in Anaheim and has trained in LA, is another SoCal snowboarder on the rise for Team USA. Although he was an underdog at the 2010 games, he’s sure to impress this year. Team USA snowboarding is going to be awesome!
Hockey
Manhattan Beach resident and Los Angeles Kings’ captain Dustin Brown is ready to score big for Team USA. This Team USA player has helped win victories as an LA Kings team member for 11 years! He even helped bring home the Stanley Cup in 2012. The Team USA men’s hockey players won silver in 2010, but they’re looking to win gold this year. With Dustin Brown as the Team USA alternate captain, chances of winning 1st look good.
Here are some other Team USA SoCal natives or residents to watch:
- Cory Butner, Yucaipa, bobsled
- Patrick Calder, Newport Beach, bobsled
Photo by spcbrass - Colin Campbell, Ventura, bobsled
- Madison Chock, Redondo Beach, figure skating
- Sasha Cohen, Newport Beach, figure skating
- Rachael Flatt, Del Mar, figure skating
- John Grahame, Redondo Beach, hockey
- Kameron Hart, Alta Loma, bobsled
- Marissa Messier (Glendale), Jennifer Gamboa (north Hollywood), Donna Umali (Burbank), Jennifer Lindsay (Torrance), Cindy Wood (Los Angeles), curling
Which hometown hero are you cheering on? Tell me all about your Team USA favorites in the Comments section!