Angelo Taylor, Aretha Thurmond are U.S. track and field captains

LONDON — Members of the U.S. track team placed a premium on experience when they chose a pair of four-time Olympians as captains of the men’s and women’s delegations for the London Games.

Angelo Taylor, who has won two gold medals in the 400-meter hurdles and a third gold in the 4x400 relay, and 35-year-old discus thrower Aretha Thurmond were honored by their teammates in voting made public via Twitter on Tuesday. A USA Track and Field spokeswoman confirmed the selections late Tuesday.

Sprinter Wallace Spearmon Jr. (@PrinceSpearmon) took credit for having nominated each of the successful candidates. “Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Captain America,� Spearmon tweeted.

The selections were confirmed by the athletes on Twitter. “It’s truly an honor,� said Thurmond (@ArethaThrows). Taylor (@Angelo_Taylor) thanked Spearmon for the nomination.

Sanya Richards-Ross (@SanyaRichiRoss), who’s going for a 200-400 double, tweeted her approval. “Both shining examples of perseverance and excellence! We love you,� she said.

Taylor, 33, won hurdles gold in 2000 and 2008. He finished second at the Olympic trials. Thurmond, 35, is a four-time U.S. outdoor champion. Her best Olympic finish was 10th at Beijing in 2008.

The U.S. team has been training in Birmingham, England. Olympic track and field competition doesn’t begin until next Friday.