Don't get me wrong, I love America and our gymnasts in Rio. They are extremely talented and hard working young women, but there are others who are not American that could easily medal at the Olympics in an individual event or all around competition.
Since there is a two per country rule for every event, America can not make a clean sweep in any event, so here are the incredibly talented women who can make an impact.
1. Gulia Steingruber of Sweden:
Steingruber is experienced internationally, and has placed in big competitions. The 22-year-old is the 2016 floor exercise and vault European champion, and she won the all-around at the 2015 European championships. It will be exciting to watch her at her second Olympics since she is more refined, and has added difficulty since the 2012 Olympics.
Here she is on the floor exercise at the 2016 European Championships where she scored a 15.2 to take the gold.
Video Credit: European Gymnastics' channel on YouTube
2. Sanne Wevers from The Netherlands:
The Netherlands have already made history by qualifying as a team to the Olympics for the first time since the 1970's. Under the leadership of Sanne and her twin sister Lieke Wevers, they have soared to new heights.
Sanne has been on the international scene for almost a decade, but she has become a force in the past few years. Her beam routine is impressive because she makes it look easy and has a lot of difficulty from dance which is different than the favorite to win. Simone Biles who relies on her power, but still very impressive.
Here is her 15.650 routine from Dutch Nationals this year:
Video Credit: chinesegym2016's channel on YouTube
3. Rebecca Downie from Great Britain:
Downie was on the 2008 Olympic team and an alternate for the 2012 team, she has returned this year as a leader for Great Britain. She is a bars and beam specialist, and does not disappoint on either event. Her bar routine is packed with power and high flying release moves. If she hits, I would be surprised if she does not medal.
Take a look at her 2016 gold medal bar routine from the European Championships:
Video Credit: European Gymnastics' channel on YouTube
4. Maria Paseka from Russia:
Paseka is a veteran of international competition for Russia. She was on the 2012 Olympic team and has won international events. In fact, she won the gold medal for vault in 2015. She beat great vaulters, like Simone Biles and Hung Un Jong from South Korea.
Here is her gold medal winning vault:
Video Credit: Universal Sports' channel on YouTube
5. Flavia Saravia from Brazil
Tiny Saravia is amazing on the balance beam. She is new to the international scene, but is fairly consistent in competition and will be fun to watch on floor as well. She is an expressive gymnast.
Here is her beam routine from the Rio Test Event this year:
Video Credit: FIG Channel on YouTube
Honorable Mentions:
Of course there are many other names that could be on this list. So many people have worked so hard to get to the Olympics. Here are a couple of people to still watch for in the qualification round and maybe even event finals!
Dipa Karmakar from India: She is India's first Olympic female gymnast.
Aliya Mustafina of Russia: Mustafina is a great leader for the team and could medal on an event or two.
Catalina Ponor: Ponor is a veteran from Romania. Although Romania did not qualify as a team, she did so as an individual and should not disappoint!
I hope everyone enjoys the Olympics as much as I will! Good luck to all and go USA!
