Theses Iowans have 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. From 45 states , 529 athletes 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 Iowa! Click here to read about Olympians with University of Iowa ties.

Here are a few quick facts about your Olympians!

Gabby Douglas

Sex: Female

Competing in gymnastics

From: Lives and trains in West Des Moines

Lolo Jones
Sex : Female
Competing in Athletics
Event / position / class : 100m Hurdles
Age : 29
From : Des Moines

Miranda Leek
Sex : Female
Competing in Archery
Event / position / class : Recurve - Individual, Team
Age : 19
From : Des Moines

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.