Reese Hoffa

Sport: Track and Field

Nation: United States of America

DOB: October 2, 1977

Hometown: Athens, GA

Career Highlights: A stalwart on the American shot put scene for nearly a decade, Hoffa is hoping his third Olympic appearance is the charm as he tries to reach the podium for the first time. He didn't get out of the qualifying round in Athens, but finished seventh in the finals four years later in Beijing, and he's already proven he can beat the best the world has to offer. After winning gold at the indoor world championships in 2006, Hoffa was the 2007 outdoor world champion, and narrowly missed a medal in both 2009 and '11 at outdoor worlds. He finished first at the U.S. trials to earn a spot on the Olympic team again. “I think we have three really strong throwers. We always send a strong team,” he said. “We have to get it done this time. I have a lot still left in the tank and I’m ready.” Hoffa overcame a tumultuous early childhood to become an elite athlete, accidentally starting a fire in his home and later being taken to an orphanage by his young mother before getting adopted by another family - all before he turned 5. Besides his obvious physical strength, Hoffa has unique problem-solving skills: He's been known to solve a Rubik’s Cube in less than a minute.

Olympic History: 2008,2004