11 Jul 2012

Women outnumber men on London-bound US team

1:41 pm on 11 July 2012

The United States will send 530 athletes to the London Olympics as part of a massive team that will feature, for the first time, more women competitors than men.

The team of 269 women and 261 men will compete in 25 of the 38 disciplines during the Games where the United States are expected to challenge China as the leading nation on the medals table.

More than half of the team will be competing at their first Olympics. Of the returning athletes, seven are attending their fifth Olympics and another 21, including Michael Phelps, will be appearing at their fourth.