Gymnast Shawn Johnson Among the United States Athletes Named to 2011 Pan American Games Official Roster [2]
The U.S. Olympic Committee has officially announced the 2011 U.S. Pan American Team that will compete in the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Team USA consists of 627 athletes, including 346 men and 281 women. Many are saying these athletes comprise arguably the strongest roster the United States has put together and could make for stiff competition.
The most decorated athletes on the U.S. roster are gymnast Shawn Johnson [3] and shooter Kim Rhode with four medals apiece. Shawn Johnson won gold on the balance beam and took home three silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, while Kim Rhode - who competed in the 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008 Games - holds two golds, one silver and one bronze medal.
The world will be watching Team USA as the 2011 Pan American Games [3] will serve as the final major international competition before the London Summer Olympic Games in 2012. The Pan American games are a great competitive tune-up as it allows the United States team to compete as a unit prior to the Olympics. United States Olympic Committee (USOC) CEO Scott Blackmun echoed this idea and sees the 2011 Pan American Games as a great opportunity for the team.
"The Pan American Games provide a special opportunity for U.S. athletes to join together and compete as Team USA," said Blackmun. "From athletes who will be representing the U.S. for the first time to experienced veterans, this year's Pan Am roster showcases a special blend of Team USA's finest athletes and I'm confident this group will make us proud."
While this team of athletes will not be the exact group that makes the final roster for London, the U.S. Pan American team has many sports fans excited. Specifically, the Unites States Olympic Committee feels this team has the opportunity to give a special preview of the possible team headed to London this summer.
"Today we welcome another distinguished class into the Pan American Games history books with the naming of the 2011 U.S. Pan American Team," said USOC Chef de Mission and Chief of Sport Performance Alan Ashley. "We are excited to support them in every way possible and to witness some great competition in Guadalajara."
Other notable United States athletes [3] on the team roster include the No. 1 ranked archer in the world and 2008 Olympian Brady Ellison, two-time defending Olympic and world champion fencer Mariel Zagunis and three-time Olympic medalists in water polo, Heather Petri and Brenda Villa.