Paige McPherson

Sport: Taekwondo

Nation: United States of America

DOB: October 1, 1990

Hometown: Sturgis, SD

Career Highlights: McPherson is looking forward to her first Olympics after defeating 2004 silver medalist Nia Abdallah in the 67kg division during the Olympic Trials. McPherson led 5-0 after two rounds and managed to hold on for a 5-4 victory. Named outstanding female athlete at the USAT national championships in 2009, McPherson was ninth in the WTF welterweight rankings and 13th in the Olympic welterweight rankings as of March. A native of Sturgis, S.D., McPherson currently resides in Miami and is coached by Juan Miguel Moreno. Nicknamed "McFierce", McPherson will be joined by Steven Lopez, Diana Lopez and Terrence Jennings on the US national team in London. She is the youngest member of the squad, having just graduated high school in January 2009.