On Sunday night, after two nights of trials, the USA Women's Olympic Gymnastics Team was announced. There were both stunning and slightly disappointing performances but overall every candidate for the team put their best foot forward in efforts to get on the road to Rio. The five ladies named to represent the USA are the two returning champions Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman, three-time world champion Simone Biles and first-years Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian. There are also three alternates, Ashton Locklear, MyKayla Skinner and Ragan Smith.
Gabby Douglas
This 20 year old from California is ready to take the Olympic stage again after a break following the London games. Gabby and Aly Raisman are the first U.S. women’s gymnasts to make two Olympic teams since Dominique Dawes and Amy Chow did from 1996 to 2000. Some would say she did not deserve a spot on the team because she fell on the balance beam and only placed seventh in all-around. One can assume the selection committee made an executive decision to include her because of her performances at the last Olympics and her potential for improvement in the month leading up to the competition. Douglas already two golds and is hoping for more in August if she can perform well when it matters most.
Aly Raisman
Another returner, Aly Raisman is a 22-year-old gymnast from Massachusetts. She won three medals in London and is expected to match those in Rio. She has been one of the top all-around performers lately and her floor routine was extremely elevated, although she did step two feet off the mat. She has been putting extra effort on the beam in hopes of making an impact in the finals. After an nerve-wracking and emotional night, Raisman is ready to defend her reputation and prove herself again in Rio.
Simone Biles
Biles is a 19 year old from Texas who is considered by many to be the greatest female gymnast ever. In three years, she won 14 world championship medals (10 golds), more than any U.S. athlete in history. Biles has been patiently waiting to make her mark in the Olympics for four years and has built up quite a legacy. All eyes are on her as she is expected to take home five golds – team, all-around, balance beam, floor and vault. Uneven bars are not her strong-suit, so she will have to work a little harder to succeed in that goal. She is set to lead the team and is grateful to have the other seven girls to lean on and to support each other.
Laurie Hernandez
Laurie is 16 years old and from New Jersey. This is her first year on the senior level, the only one with this little experience on the team. She is a favorite to compete for the all-around medal but can contribute in all four events. She surprised us at trials by placing second in all-around, just behind Simone Biles, and won balance beam. Her floor routine gets the crowd energized and chanting her name. She has said that she is ready for the hard work that comes with training for the Olympics, but is looking forward to the few days of break after trials.
Madison Kocian
Lastly, there is 19-year-old Madison Kocian from Texas. This is her fourth year on the senior level and she is best known for her specialty at the uneven bars. She won the uneven bars at trials as expected and place eight in all-around, which she is also a strong contender for at the Olympics. She may have a specialist position on the team to ensure high scores but she is definitely just as talented and experienced as the rest of the team.
There are great things on the way for these girls and, after an emotional night, they are on their way to Rio to go for the gold.
