The 2008 summer Olympic games in Beijing begin exactly two weeks from today; and in preparation for what is arguably the most competitive arena that a career athlete can compete in, I wanted to highlight five of South Florida’s most proud U.S. selections to watch for. Not only are they the greatest in our local region, but they are the greatest in our country. Now lets hope they can prove they’re the greatest in the world!
1) Dwyane Wade
This is an easy number one. Amidst some controversy about whether or not he should participate due to the continued rehabilitation of his knee, the Miami Heat’s star point guard will be front and center come August 8th. I can hear all the Chinese spectators now…. “howy-cow-man-can-fwy.” This is the Flash’s third Olympic appearance, as he will take the court alongside the rest of the 2008 U.S. Men’s Basketball squad including Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Carlos Boozer and co.
2) Venus & Serena Williams
Both current residents of Palm Beach Gardens, it is only fair that two of the most powerful female tennis players in the world receive due recognition sliding into the duece spot. Back in 2000, both Venus and Serena Williams represented the United States at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, alongside Monica Seles and Lyndsey Davenport. Following an amazing winning streak, Venus became the only other woman besides Helen Wills Moody in 1924 to capture a gold medal in both singles and doubles.
3) Jozy Altidore
The 18 year old Hatian-American soccer prodigy who spent time growing up in Boca Raton, will take the field this summer in a U.S. jersey alongside the likes of Freddy Adu and Brian McBride. Last month he was dealt to the Spanish club Villareal for a record American transfer fee of $10,000,000, he is a big time player and should make us proud. – The U.S. team will face Japan, the Netherlands and Nigeria in group play at the Olympics. The top two teams in each group then advance to the quarterfinals.
4) Walter Dix
The 15-time All-American and eight-time NCAA Champion hails from right here at the bottom of the map, being born and raised in Miami-Dade county. Dix is a graduate of Coral Springs High school, and was a track standout for the Seminoles at Florida State University. He will be the only American man running in the 100-200 meter sprints, and will also run in the U.S. 400 meter relay.
5) Dara Torres
In perhaps what is the comeback story of the 2008 games, 41 year old swimmer and supermom Dara Torres has come out of retirement for her fifth Olympic appearance. Born in Jupiter, Florida and currently training at the Coral Springs Swim Club under coach Michael Lohberg, the SoFla product is swimming faster than she did in her 20’s. She has won nine Olympic medals including four golds in years prior, and is a member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. More than that, she is a legitimate threat to her competitors in Beijing this summer.
The opening ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games will be held on Friday, August 8th with competition beginning the following day. The games will continue on through Sunday, August 24th when the closing ceremony will officially mark the end of competition. GO USA!
