The World Competes

The first Youth Olympic Games are only about 25 days away, and the United States has announced who will be attending (assuming that nobody gets injured). The US will be sending 82 athletes, representing 28 states. You can see the full list of YOG delegates at TeamUSA.org.

One person on a message board I visited questioned why there were only 28 states represented, and not 50. With only 82 athletes represented, it is only likely that less populous states like Alaska and Wyoming would have less of a chance to be represented. Furthermore, the Olympics are not a democracy. While the Youth Olympic Games are not intended to be as competitive as the main Olympics, we should be sending the most talented. It is likely that many of these athletes will compete in London in 2012; it’s better to send people that could use the experience in international competition.

There are two people from Arizona, although none of them are in gymnastics. We are only sending four gymnastics delegates; they represent both the artistic and rhythmic sides of the sport.