More U.S. women than men will compete in Olympics for first time in history

Equestrian Karen O'Connor, 54, will be the oldest American athlete at the London Olympics. For the first time in history, the U.S. will send more female athletes than males. (Julian Herbert/Getty Images)

For the first time in history, the United States Olympic team will send more female athletes than male athletes to the Olympic Games, according to the U.S. Olympic Committee.

For the London Olympics, 530 athletes will compete for medals: 269 are female and 261 are male.

“The United States of America will be represented at the Olympic Games in London by 530 of our country’s finest individuals. They are our nation’s greatest athletes and embody what it means to be American," said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. “I’m also proud that for the first time in history, the U.S. Olympic Team features more women than men – a true testament to the impact of Title IX, which in its 40-year history has increased sport opportunities for millions of females across the United States.”

The oldest American athlete is 54-year-old equestrian Karen O'Connor, the youngest 15-year-old swimmer Katie Ledecky.