When the summer Olympics kick off Friday in London, Californians won't have to look hard to find athletes from their state.

In advance of the games, KPCC’s Adolfo Guzman-Lopez visited a track at College of the Canyons in Valencia that’s a haven for Olympians. On the same track, he found the past, present, and future of the state's dreams for women's events.

1985 gold medalist Sheri Howard is coaching 13-year-old Bailey Pate. This will be the fourth year in a row that Bailey Pate will compete in the 800 meters at the national competition.

Bailey looked over her shoulder. A few yards away, on the brick red track was her idol, Lashinda Demus, stretching and warming up. In last year's world championship, Demus won the 400-meter hurdles with the third fastest time ever recorded.

Among the other contenders are table tennis players from Silicon Valley.

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Central Valley Boxer Jose Ramirez has 144 fights and 11 national titles under his belt.

And these are just some of California's contenders.

table tennistable tennis

Pingpong, Boxing,Track and More: Californians Are Everywhere in This Olympics