The United States will send 596 athletes -- 310 men and 286 women -- to the 2008 Olympics.

"The United States will send a strong team of 596 athletes who will represent our country with pride and honor," USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr said in a statement. "America's athletes recognize just how challenging the competitive environment will be, and they are preparing with this in mind. We are confident they will rise to the competitive challenges in Beijing."

Included on the U.S. roster are three five-time Olympians, including 41-year-old swimmer Dara Torres, archer Butch Johnson and cyclist George Hincapie.

While Torres has gained attention for breaking swimming records at the age of 41, she will not be the oldest U.S. Olympian in Beijing. That honor goes to sailor John Dane III, who is making his Olympic debut at the age of 58. Shooter Libby Callahan, 56, will become the oldest female to ever make the U.S. Olympic team.

The youngest members of the American squad are also teammates. At age 15, Mary Beth Dunnichay and Haley Ishimatsu will compete in the women's 10m synchronized diving competition.

Modern pentathlon's Sheila Taormina is making history in Beijing. Taormina, who is competing in her fourth games, is the first woman to ever qualify for the Olympics in three different sports. She previously competed on the U.S. Olympic swimming and triathlon squads.

The spotlight will likely shine on Michael Phelps' quest for history in Beijing. The swimmer, who won six gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics, will attempt to break Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals at a single games. The Baltimore native is slated to compete in eight events in China.

Beijing will be a family affair for several Olympians. Taekwondo fighters Mark, Diana and Steven Lopez made history by becoming the first three siblings to compete at the same games together since 1904. Other siblings include fencers Keeth and Erinn Smart, gymnasts Paul and Morgan Hamm, rowers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and tennis players Venus and Serena Williams and Bob and Mike Bryan.

Twenty American women competing in Beijing are also mothers. Among those enjoying motherhood are Torres, basketball's Lisa Leslie and softball's Jennie Finch.

"The 2008 Olympic Games will be one of the most significant events of our generation, not only athletically, but culturally, socially, economically and environmentally," said USOC Chairman Peter Ueberroth said in a statement. "The entire U.S. Olympic Team will travel to China as guests of the host nation and will be most appreciative of all they are doing to welcome athletes and visitors from around the world. The U.S. Team is ready to compete in a manner that makes this country proud." The Olympics begin with the opening ceremony on Aug. 8. The competition runs Aug. 9 to Aug. 24.