5 Female Gymnasts To Watch In Rio Who Aren't American
Start writing a post
Sports

5 Female Gymnasts To Watch In Rio Who Aren't American

America is awesome and our girls are above and beyond amazing, but there are some gems from across the pond who are sure to shine.

48
5 Female Gymnasts To Watch In Rio Who Aren't American
celebsla

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!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

111726
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments