A Louisiana Flavor at the Beijing 2008 Olympics

Twenty athletes with ties to the Pelican State will represent the United States during the 17-day athletic extravaganza. It is believed to be the largest Olympic contingent ever from Louisiana.

Click to see what Olympians have Louisiana ties

The athletes range in age from 18 to 58 and represent all corners of the state, from Shreveport to Monroe to Iowa to New Orleans.

Of the 47 states represented on the American team, Louisiana's contingent ranks 13th and would rank even higher if transplants like Smith, pole vaulter Erica Bartolina and hurdler Lolo Jones were included.

Thirteen of the athletes live and work in Louisiana. Eleven were born in the state including nine from the fertile 200-mile stretch from Lake Charles to New Orleans, which has traditionally produced some of the best football players in the nation.