Go beyond the scoreboard
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After a yearlong delay because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics are underway. A total of 613 athletes, including 55 gold medalists, are representing represent the United States at the Olympics, with dozens hailing from cities and towns in the Greater Los Angeles and San Diego areas.
Who will be representing Southern California?
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Medal count
A look at the current medal count. The U.S. is projected to win more medals than any other country for the seventh consecutive Olympics.
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Who is representing Southern California?
Karateka Sakura Kokumai did her Olympic training in Orange County.
(David Becker / Getty Images)
More than 80 athletes are representing the Los Angeles and San Diego areas during the Tokyo Games. Most of the athletes listed here hail from cities and towns in Southern California. Others competed at UCLA and USC prior to qualifying for the Olympics.
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Who is representing the United States?
(Associated Press; Getty Images)
A total of 613 athletes are scheduled to represent the United States at the Tokyo Olympics. Among the large contingent are several athletes who are expected to challenge for gold in one or multiple events.
Here’s a look at the athletes along with their respective competition schedules. Included on this list are reserves who could see competition at the Games.
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Who isn’t competing in Tokyo?
Lakers star LeBron James.
(Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
Several high-profile American athletes, including former gold medalists, aren’t taking part in the Tokyo Olympics. Among them are 23-time major tennis champion Serena Williams and Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, all of whom opted out from competing. Kerri Walsh Jennings, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in beach volleyball, missed out on a sixth Games after she and teammate Brooke Sweat failed to qualify.
Five-time Olympic medalist sprinter Justin Gatlin failed to make the cut for Tokyo. Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who won the women’s 100 meters at the U.S. track and field trials last month, will not compete because of her 30-day suspension after a positive marijuana test. Men’s basketball player Bradley Beal was forced to leave the team after being placed in health and safety protocol last week, and 2012 gold medalist Kevin Love withdrew from the team as he continues to recover from a right calf injury. Tennis player Coco Gauff will not compete after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Southern California native Kim Rhode, a six-time medal winner in shooting, didn’t qualify for her seventh Olympics. Laurie Hernandez, who won gold with the U.S. gymnastics team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, failed to qualify because of a knee injury.
In addition, the United States will not be competing in five sports — men’s soccer, men’s three-on-three basketball, women’s badminton, field hockey and handball.
