Tallahassee, Florida- July 27, 2012

In London, 26 athletes and three coaches who call Florida home will compete at the Games of the 30th Olympiad. Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott call on Floridians to join them in watching and supporting Florida’s members of Team USA as they represent the Sunshine State and the United States.

“Whether you watch from London or from the comfort of your home, I encourage Floridians to support Florida’s athletes as they compete during the coming weeks,” said Governor Scott. “Florida’s Olympians have dedicated many hours to prepare for competition and made many sacrifices to get to London, and we wish them the very best success.”

The Olympic Games begins today, Friday, July 27, with the Opening Ceremony, and competitions continue until Sunday, August 12, with the Closing Ceremony.

Complete List of Florida Athletes Competing in the 2012 Olympic Games

(Courtesy of U.S. Olympic Committee Department of Communications, designated by athlete hometown)

Brandon

Chris Colwill, Diving, 3 Meter, Brandon (competed in 2008 Games)

Clearwater

Jared Frayer, Wrestling, Freestyle 66kg, Clearwater (first Olympic Games)
Paige Railey, Sailing, Laser Radial, Clearwater (first Olympic Games)
Zach Railey, Sailing, Finn, Clearwater (silver medalist in 2008)

Daytona Beach

Ryan Lochte, Swimming, Backstroke, Freestyle Individual Medley, Daytona Beach (competed in 2004 and 2008 games winning six medals, three gold)

Ft. Lauderdale

Sarah Lihan, Sailing, Women's two-person dingy, Ft. Lauderdale (first Olympic Games)
Sanya Richards-Ross, Athletics, 400m, Ft. Lauderdale (competed in 2004 and 2008 Games, won two medals at 2008 Games)

Gainesville

Mike Holloway, Athletics, Assistant Coach Sprints and Hurdles, Gainesville (first Olympic Games)

Longwood

Hunter Kemper, Triathlon, Longwood (competed in 2000, 2004, 2008 Games)

North Palm Beach

Laura Bennett, Triathlon, North Palm Beach (an alternate on 2004 U.S. Team)

Ormond Beach

Phil Dalhausser, Volleyball - Beach, Ormond Beach (2008 gold medalist)

Oviedo

Jennifer Simpson, Athletics, Middle Distance (mile, steeplechase), Oviedo (first Olympic Games)

Plantation

Foluke Akinradewo, Volleyball, Middle Blocker, Plantation (first Olympic Games)
Anna Tunnicliffe, Sailing, Elliott 6m, Plantation (gold medalist in 2008)

Riviera Beach

Tony McQuay, Athletics, 400m, Riviera Beach (first Olympic Games)

Miami

Brian Fatih, Sailing, Men's Keelboat, Miami (first Olympic Games)
Sylvia Fowles, Basketball, Center, Miami (competed in 2008 Games)
Manuel Huerta, Triathlon, Miami (first Olympic Games)
LeBron James, Basketball, Forward, Miami (competed in 2004 and 2008 Games)
Danell Leyva, Gymnastics, Artistic, Miami (first Olympic Games)
Mark Mendelblatt, Sailing, Men's Keelboat, Miami (competed in 2004 Games)
Robin Prendes, Rowing, Lightweight Men's Four, Miami (first Olympic Games)

Naples

Trevor Moore, Sailing, 49er, Naples (first Olympic Games

Orlando

Brittany Viola, Diving, 1 meter, Platform, Orlando (first Olympic Games)

Palm City

Tina Konyot, Equestrian, Dressage, Palm City (first Olympic Games)

Palm Beach Gardens

Serena Williams, Tennis, Palm Beach Gardens (competed in 2000 and 2008 Games)
Venus Williams, Tennis, Palm Beach Gardens (competed in 2000, 2004 and 2008 Games)

Pensacola

Justin Gatlin, Athletics, 100m, 200m, Pensacola (gold medalist in 2004 Games)

Sarasota

Lacy Janson, Athletics, Pole Vault, Sarasota (first Olympic Games)

Tampa

Emil Milev, Shooting, Rapid Fire Pistol, Tampa (fifth Olympic Games appearance, first for U.S.)