While the Olympians of Team USA are doing amazing things at the 2012 Olympics in London, they're also taking some time to do some sightseeing while in the host city.
In an interview with Conde Nast Traveler, several Olympic stars including Missy Franklin, Dannell Levya, Jonathan Horton, and many more dished on what they would like to see most while in London and they also gave some tips on what to see in their hometowns.
Swimmer Missy Franklin, from Centennial, Colorado may have just won two gold medals, but in between swimming, there are certain spots the 17-year-old girl would love to check out in the English city. Being that it's her first time in London, she wants to see as much as possible. She really hopes to catch a glimpse of Prince Harry or boy band One Direction, but she'll settle for checking out Buckingham Palace and eating some fish and chips.
As far as her hometown of Centennial, Colorado goes, Franklin recommends seeing the beautiful Rocky Mountains "It doesn't matter whether it's summer or winter, each little mountain town is special and unique and offers hours of exploration, entertainment, and wonderful dining," Franklin told Conde Nast.
Dannell Leyva, who picked up a bronze medal during the men's gymnastics all-around competition really wants to try the food that London has to offer. "I love food, so I want to try everything," he says. He also wants to enjoy the spirit of the Olympic Village while he stays there during the Games.
In his hometown of Miami, Florida, Levya recommends hitting one of the beaches in the hot city. "There is nothing better as far as I'm concerned. I never get sick of spending a day by the ocean, and I live there!" he tells Conde Nast.
Sarah Hammer, a cyclist from Temecula, California wants to check out as much as she can while in the Olympic Village. Her main focus will be checking out the different sporting events going on after she's done with her cycling events. She says that people visiting her hometown of Temecula must check out wine country at the Temecula Valley and try out some of California's best wines.
Jonathan Horton, a 2008 silver and bronze medalist for gymnastics has been to London before, but he wants to show his wife around the city and take her to see popular sights like Big Ben and the London Eye. Horton, who is from Houston, Texas, recommends that tourists come to town when the city hosts their rodeo. "The rodeo in Houston is incredible and definitely something you will never forget," he says.
Basketball star Candace Parker of Naperville, Illinois hopes to watch the changing of the guard, and she isn't talking about basketball. She wants to watch London's red suited guards carry out their tradition. "I've read about it in the history books forever-it'll be pretty cool," she told Conde Nast. To those heading to Naperville, Parker recommends the Riverwalk area where there's a beach, shopping centers, and plenty of restaurants.
High jumper Jesse Williams, of Raleigh, North Carolina has also seen many of the sights in London, but this time he'll be showing his family around. For those going to Raleigh, he recommends digging into "some good old Southern barbecue" and washing it down with sweet tea.
Carrie Johnson, a kayaker who has Chrohn's disease, would love to see Windsor Castle in addition to the Olympic Village and the venues. In her hometown of San Diego, California, Johnson suggests that people check out the San Diego Zoo.
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