More female Olympians for US
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado—For the first time, the US Olympic team will have more women than men, with female athletes accounting for 269 of the 530 spots American will take at the upcoming London Games.
The USOC released its official roster Tuesday. CEO Scott Blackmun said the female majority was “a true testament to the impact of Title IX,” the law that increased opportunities for women in sports, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.
There were no big surprises on the roster, as almost all the sports had previously determined who they would be sending to the Olympics, which start July 27.
Swimmer Michael Phelps, who already owns 14 Olympic medals, is one of 228 Americans making a return trip to the games.
Phelps won a record eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
High jumper Amy Acuff is one of seven US athletes competing for the fifth time. AP
