Olympics-Returning U.S. Olympians rely on experience for another shot at glory

FILE PHOTO: Pitcher Cat Osterman reacts after striking out an Australian batter during their softball game at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 13, 2008. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (CHINA)

(Reuters) - Earning a place on the United States Olympic team is tough at the best of times - but booking your ticket to a third, fourth or even fifth Games during a pandemic is an enormous challenge.

For those bidding to get another outing with Team USA, after navigating unprecedented challenges in the COVID-19 era and lingering uncertainty over whether the Games would even go ahead, the experience that comes with age is invaluable.