Olympics: Local girl twirls in London on Friday

The Pride of the Sunshine, the University of Florida Marching Band, will play at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies Friday in London. And their performance will feature a little Eastern Iowa dazzle.

18-year-old Robins native Brie Peterson is a “Gatorette,” or a baton twirler for the UF Marching Band. This is the soon-to-be sophomore's first time in London.

“We found out we'd be performing at the Olympics last fall during football season,” Peterson said. “I didn't believe them at first, actually. I was shocked. It came out of nowhere.”

Peterson, a 2011 Linn-Mar graduate, has been twirling since she was six. She showcased her talents at football games last season for 90,000 fans on the Florida Field, better known as “The Swamp.”

“It's been incredible,” Peterson said. “Twirling on that field is not an experience many people get to have. It's awesome.”

Peterson and the UF Marching Band invaded Great Britain this past Monday, after an all day practice on the day before. They made history Wednesday as the first non-British marching band to perform on The Mall, which is just outside of Buckingham Palace.

As special as that performance was, today will be truly momentous for Peterson. Starting at the U.S. Ambassador's residence, they'll play up-beat music for, among others, First Lady Michelle Obama and Shawn Johnson as apart of the First Lady's “Let's Move!” campaign. In the evening, they'll entertain crowds at the historic Victoria Park for the Pre-Opening Ceremonies Concert.

Finally, tonight's grand finale will be the Parade of Nations, when the eyes of the world watch the Olympic athletes carry their country's colors. An estimated four billion will tune in for the spectacle planned by director Danny Boyle. Sir Paul McCartney will be performing, but most of the details are kept secret. Rumors have been flying in anticipation?for example, that David Beckham will kick a flaming soccer ball into the cauldron to ignite the Torch.

But one thing we know for certain Peterson and the UF Marching Band will be there, representing the United States.

“It's incredible,” Peterson said. “I've never saw myself performing with such big stars. It's amazing to be a part of this experience.”

Coverage of Opening Ceremony begins Friday night at 6:30 on NBC.