While Illinoisans will likely get as excited as the rest of the country, and the world, during the 2012 Olympics in London, we bet they're particularly excited about 22 athletes representing the U.S. from the Land of Lincoln.
In events ranging from rowing to gymnastics to that one sport Chicago is known for (Obama and Jordan being notable local fans), athletes from Illinois are poised to take London by storm.
With some first-timers and veteran Olympians in Illinois' lineup, there are sure to be plenty of nail-biters once the games begin this Friday.
(Note: Gymnastics team alternate Anna Li is out of the games due to an injury.)
Click through the slideshow below to meet the Illinois athletes -- including alternates -- competing in the 2012 Olympics in London (and catch a glimpse of soccer star Amy LePeilbet in the video above):
