With the 2010 Winter Olympics getting under way in less than a week on Friday, February 12th, 2010 (the entire winter games will run on NBC television from February 12-28), I thought it would be fun to highlight four athletes who will be competing.  They were either born or raised in our Milwaukee area.  They all will be participating in the speedskating competition.  By the way, the Olympics are being held up in Vancouver.

First, meet Nick Pearson who grew up in West Allis, Wisconsin.  He says he was inspired by speedskating greats Dan Jansen (who was born in West Allis) and Bonnie Blair.   

How about Catherine Raney-Norman, hometown Elm Grove, Wisconsin.  She’s nearing 30 years old as is competing in her fourth Olympics!

Next is Mitchell Whitmore.  He grew up and still lives in Waukesha, Wisconsin.  He is taking a year off from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee to focus on the 2010 games. 

And lastly, meet Alyson Dudek, who was born and raised in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.  This is her first Olympics!  

I’m proud of all the American competitors but can’t help watch the performances of these four just a little bit more closely. 

Milwaukee is home to the Pettit National Ice Center where many outstanding athletes have trained and is a U.S. Olympic Training Site.