More than 100 years of Sonoma County Olympians

Sonoma County Olympians have been making locals proud since the turn of the century.

This year, it was Santa Rosa's Maya DiRado with her stunning performances in multiple swimming events that amazed and delighted hometown fans. With four medals under her belt - two golds, one silver and one bronze; it is hard to believe that this spectacular swimmer is hanging up her goggles. It was just six years ago, that she accepted her award as one of The Press Democrat's All-Empire Athletes of the Year.

DiRado stands among many of the North Coast's greatest athletes, whose strength, flexibility, and stamina has led to their Olympic glory.

Ralph Waldo Rose, our county's first known and arguably most successful Olympian, earned six medals; three golds, two silvers and a bronze in three Olympics.

Rose was just 19 years old when he competed in the 1904 Olympics. His throwing prowess, in shot, hammer and discus, took him to two other games in 1908 and 1912.

Other Olympians include team players - Kasey Olenberger, a Santa Rosan of Italian descent, who had the opportunity to play with the Italian national baseball team in the 2004 Games in Athens. Josh Akognon, a former All-Empire basketball player, competed this year with the Nigerian national team.

What other players might rise to such heights in the future? Let's take a moment to honor our local athletes with this gallery of local Olympians.