Olympic Hopefuls

It is now less than six months to the opening ceremonies of the summer Olympic Games in Beijing. The Olympic torch has begun its journey. Olympic politics — over Tibet and Darfur and more — are in full gear.

And in pools and on tracks and pommel horses across the country, top American athletes are swinging into the home stretch of their drive for the games.

This hour, On Point: as the politics rage and the calendar rolls, we talk with Olympic hopefuls about what it takes to make the games.Guests:

Chellsie Memmell, gymnast. She's the 2005 All-Around World Champion.

Jarrod Shoemaker, triathlete. He has qualified for Beijing.

Rebecca Soni, swimmer, a junior at the University of Southern California, defending NCAA champion in the 200-yard breaststroke.

Brian Caseneuve, covers the Olympics for Sports Illustrated magazine.