Women athletes to outnumber men in U.S. London Olympics contingent for first time

July 11, 2012 | Sports | Written by

Washington, July 11(ANI): The American squad for the London Olympics would have more female athletes than men for the first time ever.

Women athletes account for 269 of the 530 spots Americans will take at the upcoming London Games, The New York Daily News reports.

The Unites States Olympic Committee (USOC) released its official roster Tuesday.

USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said the female majority was ‘a true testament to the impact of Title IX,’ the law that increased opportunities for women in sports, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.

There were no big surprises on the roster, as almost all the sports had previously determined whom they would be sending to the Olympics, which start on July 27.

Lolo Jones, Dawn Harper and Kellie Wells are some of the leading female athletes representing America in the London Olympics, whereas the men contingent of 228 would be lead by swimmer Michael Phelps, who already owns 14 Olympic medals. (ANI)