Let the Games begin

Ogonna Nnamani
Age 25
Hometown Bloomington
Sport Volleyball
Illinois connection Nnamani epitomizes the American Dream, as she’s a first-generation American, reared in Normal after her parents emigrated from Nigeria.
International experience Nnamani was the youngest player on the U.S. team for the Athens games, where the team advanced to the quarterfinals, placing fifth.
Expectations “A lot of the girls from [Athens] were able to stick around, so people haven’t forgotten what happened. We’re going to take it one game, one point at a time.”
Inspiration “Definitely my family, my parents. They’re resilient people; they’re strong. I’m just lucky. I think if I wasn’t in my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
I’m most excited about “I feel like [the Olympics] are one of the most distinctive events of our generation, being able to play over in China. The Olympic Games in Beijing are going to inspire social, political and environmental change within all of us.”

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Josh George
Age 24
Hometown Herndon, Virginia
Sport Wheelchair racing
Illinois connection The journalism graduate of the University of Illinois is a three-time winner of the Chicago marathon and is due to compete in seven events at the Paralympic Games (September 6–17).
International experience George gained favorite status for Beijing after capturing six medals during the 2006 World Championships.
Expectations “I’d like to leave with a couple of gold medals. I’d like to medal in every track event that I’m doing.”
Inspiration “I love being a part of the sport. The people you run into are amazing. But there’s no better feeling than when you’ve busted your ass and it pays off. You get addicted to that feeling.”
What it means to represent the USA “It’s amazing. It’s always good when you get to represent the U.S., especially with some of the things going on politically, it’s nice to go over and show people what the American citizenry is actually like.”