The Olympics this year are crazy and exciting. Whether it's swimming, field hockey, diving or soccer. Any sport and every sport are unique and keeps you on your toes. My absolute favorite is gymnastics. As a former gymnast I love watching but even if you don't know anything about gymnastics, it's insane to watch. These gymnasts blow everyone's minds and basically do the impossible. Last Olympics, the girl to watch was Gabby Douglas. She came in first for all around. She was back this year but the girl to watch was Simone Biles. Do not get me wrong, I love Gabby and Simone. They are both so so talented and deserve their gold medals. But my favorite is Aly Raisman. She was my favorite last Olympics and my favorite this year.
Aly is from Massachusetts which is a small state just like Connecticut. In the 2012 Olympics she helped the "Fierce Five" bring home the gold. As well as winning the bronze on beam and the gold on floor. She dedicated her floor routine to the eleven Israeli Olympians who were murdered by Palestinian terrorists during the 1972 Summer Olympics. How sweet is she for even thinking of them! Aly was also the first ever American woman to win gold for floor. For all around, she tied for third but because of the tie-breaking rule, she was beat out. Imagine thinking you're in third and bringing home an all around medal then having it snatched from you! That's heartbreaking. Aly did extremely well in 2012 and should be so proud of her performance. But competing once in the Olympics wasn't enough for her.
Aly became injured that September after the Olympics and didn't return back to gymnastics until 2014. After proving herself through training camp she was selected to be back on the U.S National Team.
At least once throughout her career before the Olympics she beat all of her teammates. Aly has proved herself over and over how good she is. Aly and Gabby are the first women in the US since 2000 to make back to back Olympic teams.
Now, she came back for redemption. Her floor routine for all around was the best I've ever seen her do. I believe she thinks so too. As soon as she landed her last tumbling pass she broke down in tears because her dream just came to life. It wasn't first place, but second is quite alright. Each year Aly had to overcome the 'it' girls like Gabby and Simone. She proved she belonged on that team. Aly proved that the second time around can be better than the first and you don't have to be sixteen to compete. She deserved the title as captain (both years) and she deserved every medal.
Aly's amazing, as well as all the other gymnasts. Her determination is incredible. I'm glad that young girls and young gymnasts have Aly Raisman for a role model.
