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 Missouri!

Spenser Mango 

Sex : Male
Competing in Wrestling
Event / position / class : Greco-Roman 55kg
Age : 26
From : St. Louis

Michael Rodgers

Sex : Male
Competing in Athletics
Event / position / class : 4x100m relay pool
Age : 27
From : St. Louis

Becky Sauerbrunn

Sex : Female
Competing in Soccer
Event / position / class : Defenseman
Age : 27
From : St. Louis

Sarah Finnegan

Sex : Female 
Possibly Competing in Gymnastics
Event / position / class : one of three alternates on the U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team
Age : 15
From : Town and County, MO

See previous stories: 

• St. Louis Teen Headed to Olympics Trained at Webster Gym Center
• Family of Teen Headed to Olympics Stops by Webster Gym Center

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.