From Ohio to Sochi: Athletes set for Olympics

From Ohio to Sochi: Athletes set for Olympics

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By LISA CORNWELL

Associated Press

CINCINNATI (AP) — Three native Ohioans will be competing for the United States in the upcoming Olympics in Russia. The three women all come from hometowns in northeast Ohio.

Lorain native and speedskater Kelly Gunther is making her Olympic debut after coming back from a serious ankle injury four years ago. She will compete in the 1,000-meter event.

Brooklyn Heights’ Kelli Stack and Sheffield Village’s Brianne McLaughlin-Bittle are trying a second time for OIympic gold on the U.S. hockey team. Stack is a forward and McLaughlin-Bittle is a goaltender on the team favored to meet Canada in the gold medal event. Canada won the gold medal over the U.S. in 2010.

The United States will be represented by 230 athletes at the games beginning Friday in Sochi.