With Arrival of Olympic Games, Team USA Looks To Continue World Dominance In Rio

By  //  August 5, 2016

USA SENDS 554 athletes and 66 Olympic champions

ABOVE VIDEO: The NBC trailer for the 2016 Rio Olympics opening ceremonies, which take place Friday August 5.

At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, one team will feature 554 athletes. One team will field 66 Olympic champions and 106 Olympic medalists, 43 of whom have more than one Olympic medal in their trophy case.

One team: Team USA.

One team will send 292 women into competition, the most from any nation at an Olympic Games. One team will compete in 27 of the 40 Olympic disciplines, battling for the title of Olympic champion in 244 of the 306 events contested.

One team: Team USA.

One team has a roster that includes 189 returning Olympians, that includes three six-time Olympians and seven five-time Olympians.

One team: Team USA.

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“Sport, and the Olympic Movement in particular, has always had a unique ability to inspire our nation and unite the world,” said U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun.

“These Olympic Games will be no different in that regard as 554 Americans rise to their best and make our nation proud. I am especially excited for the historic achievement of our women’s delegation, which is a true testament to the strength and growing number of women’s sport opportunities in the United States.”

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Team USA hails from 46 different states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. California is the most represented with 124 athletes, followed by Florida with 39 and Texas with 33. (Team US Image)

They hail from 46 different states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. California is the most represented with 124 athletes, followed by Florida with 39 and Texas with 33.

At 52, equestrian Phillip Dutton is the oldest athlete on the team, while the youngest, table tennis player Kanak Jha, is 16. History is made as the 2016 Olympic Team includes its first two athletes born in the 2000s century: Jha, who was born June 19, 2000, and gymnast Laurie Hernandez, born June 9, 2000.

The most decorated member of Team USA is Michael Phelps. In four prior trips to the Olympic Games, he has amassed 22 total medals and 18 golds, the most by any Olympian in history.

Dutton and shooters Kim Rhode and Emil Milev will compete in their sixth Olympic Games, and Rhode will attempt to medal in her sixth consecutive Games, which would tie the record held by Italian luger Armin Zoeggeler.

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“For both returning and first-time Olympians, the pursuit of an Olympic dream is never an easy journey,” said Alan Ashley, 2016 U.S. chef de mission and USOC chief of sport performance.

“Earning the distinction of being named to the U.S. Olympic Team requires years of relentless focus, unwavering dedication and untold sacrifices. I’d like to commend all of those who helped support our athletes in pursuit of their Olympic dreams. During the Games, we will continue to uphold that same level of support as we help our athletes strive for excellence on the world stage.” 

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